Hurd relishing recent experiences with Scotland

EDINBURGH , SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Will Hurd during a Scotland training session at the Oriam, on November 19, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Amassing six caps since July, Hurd has featured in Scotland’s opening two Guinness Men’s Six Nations matches and is aiming for more with three games remaining.

Reflecting on his first Guinness Men’s Six Nations so far Hurd said: “Being part of the environment for the Six Nations has been unreal. There is more in the air in terms of the hype and anticipation and I sensed that immediately when we got off the bus pre-game at Murrayfield against Italy. The crowd make so much noise and it was amazing in the autumn but I could sense it was upped ahead of the last two home games.”

Qualifying through his grandmother from Larbert, Will Hurd made nine appearances for Scotland U20 in 2019 and in 2024 he was called up to the Six Nations but days before he was due to meet up with the squad, injury struck.

Reflecting on that period the 25-year-old said: “With it being pulled away from me last year I appreciate it more now. The Six Nations has become bigger every year and although there are some nerves before the games they are amazing experiences.

“It was a rollercoaster last year and a lot of lads will have experienced something similar where the rug gets pulled from underneath your feet. I was so excited about being called up and then it was taken away from me days before I came into camp. I just looked to take the learnings from it and come back stronger than before.”

Despite starting the tournament well against Italy, Scotland come into the England week on the back of a loss.

Looking back on the Ireland game he said: “We went into the game with a plan but it wasn’t executed as well as possible. The injuries early on also disrupted things and although I think we adapted well to that we ended up having too much to claw back against such a good team.”

This week the team are in Spain for a warm weather training camp for the third year in a row and preparing for the challenge of England at the Allianz Stadium.

Hurd said: “The change of scenery will be really beneficial for us. It’s nice to experience another environment and the weather always perks the lads up. We’ll be able to get some good quality training done and be together for the full week together too.”

Hurd signed for Leicester in 2021 and has always aimed to play at the Allianz Stadium, where he’ll come up against some familiar foes and look to silence the dressing room banter he experiences at his club.

He said: “There’s a bit of rivalry with the Leicester lads so it would be good get the result this weekend. Me and Cam Henderson are always getting stick from them and we give it back to them so that’s providing us with a bit of added motivation this weekend.

“I have never played at Twickenham so it will be a big moment for me if I get the chance. I’ve been a few times but to play there would be amazing, especially in such a big game as the Calcutta Cup.

“If I do play my family will be there and that will be huge for me as they travel near and far for all of my games. The Canada match in the summer is proof of that. They all came out for four days and they know how much it means to me to see them after the games. Every time they come and see me it’s huge and they are a massive motivational factor for me.”

Scotland play England at the Allianz Stadium this Saturday, live on STV/ITV, kick-off 4.45pm