Calum Scott on Hong Kong, London Scottish and his Rugby World Cup ambitions

Calum Scott has already experienced more in his short rugby career than most players ever will.

The former Pangbourne College pupil took up the sport at Tadley aged five, having since progressed through the London Irish academy system, becoming U18s captain before finding his way to London Scottish this year.

Before signing for the second tier club which his father also played for, he competed for Hong Kong in the Asia Rugby Championship, which they won.

“It was a big opportunity going back into championship rugby,” he said.

“I'd been here on loan from London Irish a few years ago, so I knew some of the boys and I know all the coaches, so that was the appeal!”

Scott’s father was born in Hong Kong, presenting the 21-year-old with a unique opportunity to play international rugby.

“I've known for a while that I could qualify,” Scott said.

“When Irish folded, they reached out to me and we had some good conversations.

“It’s somewhere that has played a massive part in my family’s life, so it was an opportunity to represent them as well.”

The experience so far has been a near perfect one, with Scott scoring in his debut ARC tournament, which his side won in dominant fashion, although he has had to adapt his game somewhat.

“The weather was a big part of it,” he reflects.

“Suddenly going into 29-30 degrees at training, about 90% humidity. It was tough!

“It's a real southern hemisphere style of rugby, so it felt a lot faster, less focussed on the set piece.

“We went to South America too and played Chile, Paraguay and Brazil.

“Chile were in the last World Cup and it was the toughest game of rugby I'll ever be in physically.

“In test match rugby everything feels bigger, it carries a bigger weight.

“If we win the ALC next year we qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup.

“So that's my aspiration at the moment… get myself into the Scottish side and have a good season in the championship to put myself in the best position possible!”