Kinghorn, from Top 14 to the Lions: From Toulouse to Australia with ambition

Blair Kinghorn: From Top 14 Glory to the Challenge with the Lions

The wing of the British & Irish Lions, Blair Kinghorn, has experienced a dizzying change, going from lifting the Top 14 trophy with Toulouse to preparing for test rugby in Australia. After an epic victory in the French championship final, Kinghorn joined his Lions teammates in Brisbane. The Scottish player, after playing the 100 minutes of the final against Burdeos-Bègles, including extra time, celebrated with his team before embarking for Australia. “We had a great season, but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t win a trophy, so there was a lot of pressure on us, and winning was incredible,” said Kinghorn. Despite having won his second Top 14 title, Kinghorn received no special treatment. Upon arriving at his hotel room, he found the team captain, Maro Itoje.

“I went in at quarter past twelve and thought ‘surely there won’t be anyone in the room’. I went in, threw the suitcases down and Maro sat on the bed. Obviously, I woke him up. He woke up, sat up, shook my hand and lay back down and went back to sleep,” Kinghorn recounted with laughter. Kinghorn, who couldn’t see the Lions’ defeat against Argentina due to his participation in the Top 14 semi-final, was able to witness the first half of the victory over the Western Force. Now, with his mind set on the Lions, the 28-year-old player is focused on the challenge.

I was so focused on finishing the season well with Toulouse that I didn’t think much about this and tried to keep it in the background, just because I wanted to be present in the moment and finish the season very strongly with Toulouse. Now I can focus all my attention on this and it’s really exciting.

Blair Kinghorn

Kinghorn prepares for his debut with the Lions against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday. Despite the rapid adaptation, the winger is enthusiastic about the challenge. Kinghorn is eager to compete in the test series and have a successful tour. “Every training session is going to be competitive, everyone is motivated. That’s what you want, that brings out the best in people. If you’re not motivated to be here, then you shouldn’t be here. I don’t think it’s difficult. It’s not difficult at all,” he concluded.