NATIONAL HONOURS

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW IT FELT TO BE SELECTED IN THE SCOTLAND U20S SQUAD?

GEORDIE GWYNN: It was incredible. I didn’t make the U18s squad in the summer, but it motivated me to put in the hard work throughout the season to give myself the best chance of being selected. Getting the call-up to the squad was hugely rewarding and a great moment for me and my family.

JAKE PARKINSON: It was a massive honour to be called up to the Scotland squad. I was unlucky to miss out last season with a wrist injury but to finally pull on the shirt and sing the anthem at Scotstoun was a huge honour.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID WHEN YOU HEARD THAT YOU HAD BEEN SELECTED IN THE SQUAD?

GEORDIE GWYNN: I phoned my Mum and Dad. They’ve both been there for me and supported me throughout my rugby career, driving me across the country and coming to watch my games.

JAKE PARKINSON: As soon as I recieved the message I called my Dad to tell him the good news as I knew it meant as much to him as it did to me.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR CONNECTION WITH SCOTLAND AND HOW PROUD IT FELT TO WEAR THE NATIONAL SHIRT?

GEORDIE GWYNN: My Mum was born in Edinburgh and grew up in a small village between the borders and the capital called Fala. I have always been a Scotland fan and try to attend at least one Six Nations match each year. To pull on the shirt and get my debut against England at The Stoop was a surreal and proud moment. My family and friends were at the game so made it even more special.

JAKE PARKINSON: My connection comes from my Grandfather, Norman Stewart, who was born in Greenock. To pull on the Scotland shirt was such an honour, especially with the amount of great players who have worn the shirt before me.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR TIME WITH SCOTLAND?

GEORDIE GWYNN: The boys were extremely welcoming and easy to get on with. I loved training in a new environment, alongside great players, coaches and support staff.

JAKE PARKINSON: In the lead up to the Six Nations we completed a three day camp with the Royal Marines in Arbroath. It was a brilliant few days and we developed some great team cohesion. I also got the opportunity to wrestle a marine.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?

GEORDIE GWYNN: Getting my first cap was amazing. Although the result wasn’t the one we wanted, wearing the Scotland colours for the first time is a moment that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

JAKE PARKINSON: Securing a win for Scotland U20 at home to Wales after a long spell of defeats. To be in the team that broke the run of defeats was a massive achievement. HOW DID TRAILFINDERS

RUGBY ACADEMY AND BRUNEL UNIVERSITY SUPPORT YOU

During

YOUR TIME WITH SCOTLAND?

GEORDIE GWYNN: The coaches were very supportive throughout the tournament and were in regular contact to track how I was progressing. The boys back at Brunel have been putting out some really strong performances so I’m excited to get back playing with them for the final few games of the season.

JAKE PARKINSON: The Academy were excellent in supporting me throughout the camp, providing suitable training in my rest weeks to ensure I remained in top condition. Brunel University were very accommodating, helping me structure my lectures and deadlines around my Scotland commitments.

WHAT MAKES BRUNEL UNIVERSITY THE PERFECT PROGRAMME FOR ASPIRING PLAYERS?

GEORDIE GWYNN: Being at Brunel has been massively beneficial. It’s allowed me to improve my rugby, push on and play at international level, whilst studying a degree at the same time. The whole programme shows a direct pathway to professional rugby at Ealing Trailfinders and provides tools, excellent coaches and world class facilities. It’s always good to have a plan B if rugby doesn’t work out, so being able to study and gain a degree alongside my rugby is hugely beneficial

JAKE PARKINSON: Having the opportunity to train with some of the best university players with world class facilities and under the watchful eye of a great coaching team is fantastic. Getting to complete a degree whilst competing at the highest level is very comforting and provides players with the opportunity to explore future careers in a range of industries.

Image Credit: Scotish Rugby/SNS