A FORMER Haddington rugby star has called time on an illustrious career.

Ross Weston hung up his boots after BT Premiership semi-final disappointment, as his Currie side lost to Melrose at the Greenyards.

The 33-year-old spent 12 years with the Malleny Park club after moving from his hometown outfit, and was among the side that lifted the Premiership title a decade ago.

He won Scotland’s top flight for a second time in 2009/10, while Weston was also among the side that played in the 2006 Scottish Cup final.

The number eight played alongside the likes of Scotland internationalists Dougie Fife, Matt Scott and Ben Cairns – the club’s current head coach – and was the 1st XV captain.

Weston, from Haddington, also turned out for the Scotland Club International XV on 12 occasions, and he retires as the joint most capped player of all time for that side, level with Melrose full-back Fraser Thomson.

Phil Thomas, president at Currie RFC, hailed Weston’s impact on the club during his 12-year stay.

He told Courier Sport: “Over his career at Currie, Ross has been an outstanding example of the very best in Scottish club rugby. A very skilful and forceful player on the field, his commitment to rugby and to the club has been exemplary.

“Whether in matches, training, bringing on young players or supporting the development of our youth rugby, he has always contributed to the full.

“Well-known for his modesty, he has become and will remain a Currie legend; and the rugby attitudes he has fostered have been absorbed into the club’s DNA.”

Former team-mates also paid tribute to the barnstorming number eight on social media.

Donald Snodgrass, who captained Haddington during Weston’s time with the club, wrote: “Congrats mate. Pleasure playing with you in the early days. Great career.”

Current Reds player Mark Morrison, also a back-row forward, added: “From the moment I met you at Haddington for your first pre-season training I could tell you were going far.

“A pleasure playing with you for a few seasons and fantastic seeing all you’ve achieved since moving to Currie. Enjoy your retirement.”

And Peter Eccles, the Melrose forward who faced Weston on a number of occasions, including in his final match, said the Haddington man was “one of the Premiership’s best”.