Luke Crosbie’s career would reach a high point in the coming days if he is selected as part of the Scotland matchday 23 to take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.
And, if he is involved, the biggest cheers from those watching the Guinness Six Nations opener on the television will come in the Livingston RFC clubhouse.
That is because the Edinburgh Rugby back-row, now 25, began his rugby journey at the West Lothian club – and the way he has made his name in the game inspires the current crop of youngsters who are part of the community club.
Luke takes up the story: “When I was younger, I moved to Mid Calder where I played football mainly to start with, but one day I was out for a walk with my Dad and we stumbled across Livingston rugby club and there was a senior game on.
“I didn’t really know what ‘it’ was and my Dad didn’t really know much about rugby either, but I saw it and said I wanted to give it a try because it looked fun – and that was it.
“From there my Mum and Dad were straight on the computer trying to find the number for Livingston RFC and they phoned up to say ‘Luke is coming along to training’. I was in about P5 at the time and I never looked back.
“I was just a big skinny drip when I was that age, but I just liked the physical stuff. I played football before because all the boys at school played, but it felt like rugby was a sport more suited to me and something I could really enjoy.
“The people at Livingston – and then Currie club where I moved after – were great with me and they have helped me get to where I am now.
“It’s good for the young guys [at the Livingston club] to see that I’m from the same background as them and it’s great for me as well [to have those links with the club].
“I caught up with a few of them [Livingston youngsters] after the Edinburgh game with Zebre.
“It was great to catch up with them and it puts the game in perspective because that’s what it’s all about. It’s not about me, it’s about my family and also about these young guys because they can come along to games and actually see that you can make a living out of playing rugby which some people don’t even realise.”
ICYMI | Your Scotland squad for the 2023 @SixNationsRugby is here 🏴
More ➡️ https://t.co/sjCbHftQhW pic.twitter.com/tfUTcn955O
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 17, 2023
So, what would young Luke back in his Livingston days have said if you’d told him he would have a chance of playing in a Calcutta Cup match and a Six Nations in 2023?
“He probably wouldn’t have believed it! It’s mad,” the man who has two full caps to his name already and previously played for Scotland under-20s said.
“It’s a long journey when you look back. The process of getting here has meant I’ve had to perform when the opportunities have come around. I’ve had to do it every week – and that’s the reason I’ve got to here and made it as a professional.
“The mindset has always been the same for me, I need to perform well and back it up every single week, but these are exciting times.”
Inspired by Luke’s story and want to get involved in rugby at Livingston RFC? Visit livingstonrfc.com to find out more, it really is a game – and a club – for all males and females…
The Scotland matchday squad to face England will be named on Thursday, find out more about the Guinness Six Nations here
Thanks to Rugby People for the main photo