sport news BLAIR KINGHORN: I believe I've joined the biggest club in the world... if that ... trends now
THE history and prestige of Toulouse isn’t lost on Blair Kinghorn. In fact, it’s almost inescapable. The fact he now plays for the most successful club in Europe is something he is reminded of on a daily basis.
‘In the gym, there’s a timeline on the wall of when the club won certain trophies,’ he tells Mail Sport. ‘That success and history is all around you. As a player, you feel it.’
By his own admission, Kinghorn’s French is still a work in progress. He takes one lesson a week, sometimes two if time allows.
Yet, in the language of success, Kinghorn is already well on track to becoming fluent at his new club. Toulouse remain firmly in contention to win a Double this season in the French Top14 and Champions Cup.
Kinghorn’s contribution has been stellar. A try-scorer in yesterday’s 32-12 win over Racing 92 on domestic duty, Kinghorn also bagged a brace of tries in the European quarter-final rout of Exeter a couple of weeks ago. The French side will host Harlequins in the semi-finals next weekend and will be huge favourites to book their place in the final.
Having won the Champions Cup a record five times, they are truly the aristocrats of European rugby. The crème de la crème and the benchmark against whom all others are judged.
Kinghorn celebrates one of his tries against Exeter in the Champions Cup quarter-final
The Scotland full-back admits he has found a new lease of life after crossing the Channel
After joining from Edinburgh in November last year, Kinghorn believes the move to Toulouse has elevated his game to a new level. The fact he could yet finish the season with two trophies underlines the magnitude of a club where second place simply isn’t acceptable.
‘We’re still fighting on two fronts,’ said the 27-year-old. ‘There’s a chance I could finish my first season here by winning two trophies. That would be incredible and it’s certainly a big incentive.
‘To play in big knockout games is what it’s all about. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and I can’t speak highly enough of Toulouse.
‘I only joined mid-season, so the past few months does still feel like a bit of a whirlwind. But I do feel I’ve settled in now.
‘At a club like this, the goal every year is to win two trophies. That’s just the expectation around the place, to win the Top14 and also the Champions Cup.
‘When you’re at a club that’s so steeped in history, it does bring pressure. But you need to embrace that and back yourself to perform. It’s inspiring.
‘When you’re in an environment like this, it raises your game. I believe I’ve joined the biggest club in the world. If that doesn’t inspire you, nothing ever will.
Kinghorn crosses for the second of his two tries in the statement European win over Exeter
Kinghorn was a scorer again in his side's Top14 clash with Racing 92 this weekend
‘Being exposed to this environment and these big games, I believe that will only make me a better player. It’s a great challenge for me.’
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