Blair Kinghorn’s Journey to Toulouse’s Halls of Glory
For Blair Kinghorn, the history and prestige of Toulouse are inescapable. As the most successful club in Europe, the Scotland full-back is constantly reminded of their legacy. “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.”
Despite his French being a work in progress, Kinghorn is already well on his way to becoming fluent in the language of success at his new club. Toulouse remain firmly in contention to claim a domestic and European double this season, and the 27-year-old’s contributions have been outstanding.
Kinghorn scored a try in Toulouse’s 32-12 win over Racing 92 in the French Top14 and also bagged a brace of tries in the European quarter-final rout of Exeter a couple of weeks ago. The French giants will host Harlequins in the Champions Cup semi-finals next weekend, where they will be heavily favored to secure their place in the final.
“We’re still fighting on two fronts,” said Kinghorn. “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.”
The Scotland international acknowledges the pressure that comes with playing for a club so steeped in history, but he is embracing the challenge. “When you’re 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.”
Kinghorn’s narrative has changed since joining Toulouse. After often being scrutinized for playing out of position at fly-half for Scotland, the versatile star is now thriving in his natural role at full-back. “Having a fresh start is always good. Eventually, you need it,” he said.
Playing alongside world-class talents like Antoine Dupont and Finn Russell has also raised Kinghorn’s game. “As a back, it’s a cool position to be in. I’m playing with Antoine Dupont for my club and Finn Russell for my country. They are world-class at what they do and it does definitely raise your game.”
With Toulouse showing no signs of slowing down, Kinghorn and his teammates are fully focused on the Champions Cup semi-final against Harlequins next weekend, as they chase the ultimate prize in European rugby.
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