Christian Lindsay on Scotland U18 development camp experience

Scotland's player during the 2024 Six Nations U18s Men's Festival Round 2 between Scotland and England in the Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy Wednesday , April 03, 2024 ( Photo by Federico Zovadelli/Actionpress)

“It’s really been an amazing experience throughout the entire week in such a high-performance environment, being a part of such a great group of lads. With the great facilities here, it’s really allowed us to push ourselves, as has training with the other nations throughout the week.

“It has definitely been intense, similar to the Six Nations festival back in April. But it’s the intensity that has allowed us to really push on and develop our skillset as a team. Personally, I’ve learned so much this week with the time spent with my teammates as well as the great coaching team.”

As he mentioned, this is not a first foray into the U18 national environment for Lindsay. He was part of the 2024 U18 Six Nations men’s festival, featuring in all three games.

“It was amazing spending that 10-11 days out there with the team. Seeing the whole team come together and the hard work that went in for the month beforehand and going out there with a great group of lads was brilliant, and fortunately we managed to win two of our three games against Georgia and Italy. Even in the England game, there was definitely positives that we can take out of that performance for next year if we face them again, and that’s really exciting for me.

A promising lock forward, Lindsay explained his journey in rugby to this point, starting round the corner from the house he grew up in right through to his third season representing his region.

“I’ve been playing rugby since the age of about three or four. I played with North Berwick minis, which is about a 15 minute drive away from my house, all the way through to P7 with my dad coaching me. Then I went to Loretto School and played my rugby there, up to this year where I played first team rugby under Andrew Binikos and Andrew Barnett, they’ve been large contributors to my rugby development and they’re great coaches. I’ve played for the Borders & East Lothian academy for three years which has allowed me to really push forward with my rugby.”

And the opportunity to push on and develop continues. Lindsay will make the transition into Edinburgh Rugby’s academy this summer, moving into the professional environment with the chance to train with some of the best in his position in the country.

“I’m definitely excited. It’s a little bit nerve-wracking stepping into that professional environment, but it’s an opportunity for me to take that next step in my rugby career amongst some great players. I think training with players in my position, like for example Grant Gilchrist, I could learn a lot from him. I’m excited to represent the club, hopefully I can represent Edinburgh A this year if I present myself and my ability well. I’ve always loved the club, it’s been my home club and I’ve always been a fan so it’s great to be in that environment as a player.”

Looking to the future, Lindsay has high ambitions in the game as he looks to continue representing Scotland, an experience he has loved so far, as he moves up the age groups.

“It’s always been my goal to play for Scotland which is why I loved being in the national camps so much. Throughout my rugby journey it’s been about Scotland for me, representing Scotland U18 is great and I’d love to play for the men’s team one day. Honestly, I want to go as far as I can go.

“Growing up, watching the likes of Hamish Watson and Richie Gray in the Scotland forward pack, the way they played the game was what made fall in love with it and it’s what I often try to emulate. Watching them make big carries and big tackles, that’s what really inspired me as a kid.”