Gilchrist: Six Nations the pinnacle

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Scotland's Grant Gilchrist and Fiji's Apisalome Vota in action during The Famous Grouse Nations Series match between Scotland and Fiji at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 02, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

“I’d say the last year or so I’ve enjoyed my rugby and probably played as well as I ever have in a Scotland jersey. That hunger for more is absolutely there because I love being part of this team. Playing for Scotland and playing at Murrayfield is something that I’ve grown to love more and more.

“Going into the tournament this year I’m just as enthusiastic as I was when I first came in all those years ago. It’s still just as exciting for me and I think that if it wasn’t then I wouldn’t be here. I don’t ever want it to end. I know it will at some point, but I’m going to relish every chance I get. It’s not something I ever take for granted.”

For Gilchrist, the Guinness Men’s Six Nations is unparalleled in the world of sport.

“There aren’t many competitions in the world of sport, let alone rugby, that come close to what a Six Nations is. I think the quality of this tournament – first and foremost the product – is what makes it stand out, and I think that now more than even when you consider the growth across all six teams.

“Any team can win this tournament but perhaps in other sporting tournaments there are maybe only a handful of teams that are really likely to go and win.

“The atmosphere that’s created by the fans in every stadium, especially Murrayfield, is just incredible as well. So, I think when you put that together with the competitiveness, that’s what makes it. It’s really special.”

“Of course, it comes with added pressure but it’s good pressure.”

Pictured: Grant doing what he does best – winning line-out ball, against Fiji in The Famous Grouse Nations Series in November last year

Whilst the competition itself has undoubtedly evolved, Gilchrist is probably one of the best characters to be able to assess the progression and development of Scotland given his tenure with the squad.

“We put a lot of value on connection and the environment now compared to when I started out as a professional, it just wasn’t a thing when I was younger. I think you just assumed people would come in and you’d gel but now we want an environment where everyone can be themselves. You don’t have to sit quietly, especially if you’re new, we want to encourage everyone to be part of everything and contribute to everything we do.

“I think that’s been the biggest change and bit of growth, and a lot of that comes down to the way the coaches are always evolving by looking at other sports and trying to find ways of innovating. This is one of the most forward-thinking coaching groups I’ve ever experienced, and I think that makes it so exciting as a player.

“We are always looking for ways to get better and that helps us set standards at training, and it means we can demand a lot of each other but in a way that makes it really enjoyable and makes everyone feel part of it.”

That connection is evident in the way Gilchrist speaks warmly of the Scotland squad, which blends seasoned campaigners and rising stars. Among the returning veterans is Jonny Gray – who also made is Scotland debut in 2013 – a player Gilchrist holds in the highest regard.

“It’s great to have Jonny back, as a mate and a player. I think he will go down as one of Scotland’s greatest players, he’s always been outstanding in the Thistle. He’s someone I have looked up to throughout my career. I know he’s had a hard time with injury over the last year or so but the way he’s come back, playing so well at Bordeaux, it’s class.

“It’s tough when you lose guys, we have all been there at different times in our careers, especially when it is so close to a tournament. We’re gutted for Scott Cummings too, but he’ll be back, and he’s got plenty more Six Nations left in him.”

Pictured: Gilchrist on the rampage in what was his first taste of Murrayfield action, against Australia in 2013. He is excited about the second rows coming through (see below)

Gilchrist is equally effusive about the younger generation, including the likes of Gregor Brown and Max Willamson.

“Gregor and Max have been outstanding. The level they’re at already which we saw during the Autumns is incredible. These guys have such a great future ahead of them, they have a lot of growth left in them but as a starting point it’s so impressive.

“And those are just guys in my position, elsewhere in the squad there are loads of young guys – Matt Currie, Paddy Harrison, Ben Muncaster – these guys have been outstanding when they’ve come into the environment, and how they’re playing with their pro teams as well.”

Approaching 80 caps for his country, the Edinburgh Rugby man is one you feel would answer the call to play for his country even well into retirement. There’s plenty still to come before such point, of course.