The 30-year-old hooker has left Glasgow Warriors to sign for Leeds Tykes on a two-year deal.

And that has led the British & Irish Lion to call time on an illustrious international career.

He said: This has been a difficult decision as I have always regarded selection for my country as a huge honour and not something that I would ever take for granted.

I have discussed matters with my wife and family and believe the time is now right to bring my Scotland career to an end. I want to thank all those who have supported me over the years.

The physical commitment to play international rugby is widely recognised but there is also a huge time commitment and you cannot compromise when it comes to international rugby. It has to be everything.

During my career I have not had many injuries and, in one guise or another, I have spent every summer away playing rugby since 1994, often in the intense environment of the Test arena.

I have joined Leeds Tykes on a two-year contract and I am looking forward to playing club rugby. International rugby is now a closed chapter for me.

I have been immensely proud to pull on the Scotland jersey and to lead my country in 11 internationals. I enjoyed the recent Lions tour to New Zealand and was privileged to captain the team to victories against Otago, Manawatu and Auckland.

My decision is not about coaching regimes, leaving the Glasgow Warriors or joining Leeds. Its about whats best for me at this stage of my rugby career and in my personal life.

Bulloch featured in two Lions tours and made the first of his 75 Scotland appearances eight years ago.

He captained the Scots through an unhappy RBS 6 Nations campaign which saw Australian coach Matt Williams ousted.

Bulloch became Scotlands most-capped hooker in August 2003 when when his 53rd cap, won against Wales, saw him surpass Colin Deans record.

A week later he became Scotlands 104th Test match captain when he led out the side against Ireland.

He was a late entrant to the 2001 Lions touring party to Australia, being called in to cover injury, and played as a substitute in the first Test victory.

This summers Lions tour to New Zealand was an unhappy experience for most tourists as Sir Clive Woodwards picks were beaten by the All Blacks in all three Tests - and the former England coach mostly overlooked the small cluster of Scots in the party.

But Bulloch did play in five warm-up games and appeared as a substitute in the final Test.

At club level, he played 167 games for Glasgow in both the amateur and professional eras.