BLAIR Kinghorn is happy doing what he is doing with Edinburgh, and similarly, is quite content for the moment just to be part of the Scotland set-up. However, his focus, for the latter at any rate, may have changed slightly over the last few days.
With surgery required to fix Stuart Hogg’s ankle, and with a recovery period likely to roll in to November and Autumn Test territory for the Warriors star, the 21-year-old full-back may find himself less of a utility player who can cover all back three slots, and more of a starting 15.
While Sean Maitland has filled in playing that role, the battle to cover for Hogg is more likely to be between Kinghorn and Ruaridh Jackson.
Kinghorn started against Canada at full-back during Scotland’s summer tour of the Americas. However, he still appears happy to just be part of Gregor Townsend’s plans.
“Obviously I would love to be selected for the Autumn Tests, but that does not come if you are not selected for Edinburgh so I just have to put my best foot forward at club level and get a run of performances.
“I have played on the wing for Scotland, back three positions are pretty inter-linked. I got caught out a couple of times on the summer tour with knowing where to be, but full-back and wing are fairly interchangeable I believe,” said Kinghorn.
“There are a lot of things you learn from a tour and different people, obviously you are away for a month and it was brilliant learning how to be a real professional the whole time. I just loved being in the environment and we played some good stuff, especially against Argentina,” a match Kinghorn started on the left-wing, having played on the opposite flank against the USA.
So, what is his position, a question that could be asked even at club level?
“Wherever the coach needs me. I wouldn’t tell Cockers [Richard Cockerill] where to pick me. Just wherever he sees fit, I trust the coaches. I like playing full-back at Edinburgh and I have to work hard to keep the starting jersey. If that is kicking the ball or carrying the ball then I’ll do that. I think my approach is the same as it has always been, just work week to week.”
Edinburgh play only their second home fixture of the season on Friday against Benetton. While expected to win their ties at Murrayfield, Kinghorn appreciates the Italian sides are no soft touches in the PRO14.
“I think everyone has upped their game in the whole PRO14 and Benetton and Zebre have both got significantly better. I think all the teams have got significantly better and there are no easy fixtures. Anyone can beat anyone and you have to be on your game the whole time. The standard is going up and up and up.”
While focusing on his rugby with Edinburgh, Kinghorn has already cast an eye beyond his playing career.
“I have just started Uni, taking my mind off rugby when I am away from training and games, studying business management at Napier. I will just take it in small chunks and see how we go. I have been putting it off since school a little bit, so I just thought it was the right time. Magnus Bradbury has also started with me so we are looking forward to it.”
But, as with many 21-year-olds, life isn’t all about work.
“The NFL season has started so quite a few of us are in a fantasy league so I will be watching the [Sky Sports] Redzone every Sunday.
“I don’t really support a team, but if I was going to say one it would be the New York Giants.
“I just enjoy watching it, I like watching the really powerful guys smash each other and I don’t get how the quarter-backs can throw the ball so far.”
And, there is another distraction away from rugby which is keeping much of Edinburgh happy currently.
“I was quite a big Hearts fan,” Kinghorn admits. “I still follow them, but not so closely now. Obviously they have had a good start, I need to try and get back down to a couple of games.”
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