He was captain of the Scottish national team (76 caps) and scrum-half at Clermont for 3 seasons. Charismatic, humble and endearing, the Edinburgh striker agreed to share his VI fondest memories with us on the occasion of the launch of our "Internationals" collection.
What is your fondest memory as a player?
I'd have to say (he hesitates) ... Being captain of the Scottish team, that's my best memory. I don't really have a specific moment, but yes, being captain of Scotland. In France I also have some very good memories. In particular, playing in the Top 14 final. And even though we lost to Toulouse (24-18 in 2019, editor's note), which was very disappointing, it's still a great memory. Just to have had the opportunity to fuel the passion of the Clermont fans was incredible.
What was your worst memory on the pitch?
That's a very good question. I'm going to talk about Scotland again. Maybe against England in 2013 or something like that (2014). We lost 20-0 at home. It's one of my worst memories in a Scotland shirt. In the Top 14, I'd say it was my debut. Because I arrived in France in the summer after a Lions tour where I'd been injured. So my arrival was perhaps a little difficult. But after that, things fell into place and I loved it.
What was the most stressful moment of your career?
Oh there have been so many... (laughs). I'd say it's pretty much any game in England, especially when I was captain of Scotland. You have to deal with a lot of expectation and a lot of pressure.
Who's the best player you've ever played with?
I think I'd have to say Clermont. Isaia Toeava, a player from New Zealand. He was incredibly talented, a beast. Typically the player you want in your team but don't want to play against. He had it all: speed, strength, technique, tackling. An incredible player.
And the player you feared most on the pitch?
I'd have to say Sébastien Chabal. I remember playing against him when I was very young. I was playing for Edinburgh and he was playing for Racing-Métro. And he was such a huge guy. He too had everything: he was wide, fast, explosive and powerful. He's certainly the most intimidating player I've ever played against.
Finally, what was your fondest memory of your time in France?
I think it was the Challenge Cup final against La Rochelle. Or maybe the Top 14 semi-final against Lyon. We were playing in Bordeaux's football stadium, and it was a way of reminding me just how much our supporters, the Yellow Army, were prepared to do anything for the club. It was incredible. It's a moment I'll never forget.
