Chris Paterson - Tribute

Chris Paterson (March 30, 1978, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) is one of the best goal kickers in the world, having successfully kicked an astonishing 36 consecutive goals for Scotland between August 11th, 2007 and June 7, 2008, not missing a single attempt during the 2007 Rugby World Cup or the 2008 Six Nations Championship.

His run was finally brought to an end during the summer of 2008 against Argentina. However during this match he also overtook Gavin Hastings long-standing Scotland points record of 667, as well as equalling Scott Murray's record of 87 caps for Scotland. On June 14, 2008 he won his 88th cap and was man of the match in Scotland's 26-14 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.

His contribution has been much more than that purely associated with a prolific goal-kicker. He is also third on the list of Scotland's try-scorers, and has provided rare moments of flair and guile in an era where the Scottish back line has otherwise been pedestrian.

As such room has always been found to accommodate Paterson in the team since his debut against Spain in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Selected at 10, 11, 14 or 15 Paterson succeeded fellow Borders product Gregor Townsend as his country's key back and has become a talisman to rival Andy Irvine fully three decades ago.

Despite Scotland winning most matches when he lines up on the left wing (11 from 25 appearances), the Edinburgh-born player has strung his most consistent displays together at full-back.

His outstanding performances in the No.15 jersey during the 2005 RBS 6 Nations saw him named as the BBC's fullback of the championship, and he was runner-up a year later after surprisingly being snubbed by Clive Woodward for the Lions tour to New Zealand.

He was also the Famous Grouse Player of the Year in 2004-2005 and has captained Scotland on 12 occasions, all five matches in the 2004 Six Nations and then seven games in the 2006-2007 season.

A product of Galashiels Academy, Paterson made his debut in senior club rugby as an 18-year-old against Kelso in September 1996, and played all his club rugby in his native country until 2007 when he opted to join Gloucester.

The move was ill fated, however, and Paterson's lack of first team appearances (he made only seven starts) led to him leaving the West Country club after only a one-season stay. On re-joining Edinburgh he firing a parting shot at the style of play in the Premiership, calling it "physically dominated."

Paterson continued to produce in Scotland colours and was retained in the squad following Frank Hadden's replacement by Andy Robinson. His former Edinburgh boss handed him the No.15 jersey for the start of the 2010 Six Nations against France and subsequently made him the first Scottish player to win 100 caps by selecting him to face Wales.

Paterson continued to battle it out with Hugo Southwell for the Scotland No.15 jersey and he took advantage of his rivals injury troubles to finish the 2011 Six Nations in pole position following a fine display in their penultimate game against England. That led to a call up for Scotland's provisional World Cup squad - putting him on the brink of becoming the first Scottish player to play in four World Cups.

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[noreu64ab]

Chris paterson = legend

[scottishrugby87]

never has been a player like him, never has, never will.

[adamsapple478]

@connormcaree hey m8im quater irish is it true that ogara is american born like they sed on bbc

[DanDiatomic92]

The clan chieftain!!

[07015678]

We will miss you Chris! Thanks for this tribute and come on SCOTLAND!

[connormcaree]

O'Gara Is best... But still a realy realy talented player, I so love the jocks coming from an Irish

[Nenuial9]

Thanks for that video from a spanish fan of the scottish rugby

[theYeLLowNInJa12]

i love chris paterson! i remember him and gregor townsend coming to galashiels to have a training session with us, hands down best day ever

[Gonzoidz]

Legend of the 00's, pace, agility, intelligence and fearless.

[muttley65]

Couldn't agree more - absolute legend and a true Scottish Rugby great!!

[rgc1xv]

retired now 21/12/11

109 caps

Great servant to Scottish Rugby

LEGNED!!!

Noone will ever beat his cap record