Luke Crosbie is determined to reclaim his place in the Scotland back row after enduring a challenging injury “rollercoaster” that saw him slip down the pecking order for the national team. The Edinburgh forward, who was once a key figure in Scotland’s 2023 Six Nations campaign, is now eager to prove his worth after a series of setbacks and tough competition for spots.
Crosbie was a standout during Scotland’s victories over England and Wales in the 2023 Six Nations, but a shoulder injury sustained during the opening match of the tournament in Cardiff left him sidelined. His absence opened the door for Glasgow Warriors’ Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey to establish themselves as the first-choice back-row trio for Scotland.
With Dempsey now ruled out due to injury for the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series, Crosbie sees this as an opportunity to remind coach Gregor Townsend of his abilities. As he gears up for the upcoming clash with Portugal, he’s more determined than ever to stake his claim for a starting spot.
Injury Setbacks and the Mental Toughness of a Rugby Player
Crosbie’s journey has been anything but smooth. After impressing in the Six Nations, his momentum was halted by a shoulder injury that not only kept him out of the remainder of the 2023 tournament but also led to a period of frustration. The 26-year-old candidly shared the emotional highs and lows that come with such a situation.
“It’s a rollercoaster,” Crosbie said. “One minute you’re starting against Wales, and the next minute you’re having to get your missus to help put your socks on. That’s part of the sport. It was tough.”
The physical demands of rugby are intense, and injuries often result in unexpected shifts in a player’s career trajectory. For Crosbie, it meant watching from the sidelines as the competition for his position grew fiercer. But it wasn’t just the injury that posed a challenge—dealing with the emotional toll of not being able to play and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery made the process even more difficult.
The Road to Recovery and the Opportunity Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Crosbie has emerged stronger. His return to action during Scotland’s summer tour of the Americas marked a significant step in his recovery. However, with Dempsey now unavailable, the Edinburgh forward knows the upcoming games could be his chance to impress and secure a spot in the back row for Scotland.
“I’m just waiting for that green light to go out there and do my thing and get back in the mix,” Crosbie added, reflecting his eagerness to seize the moment. With a renewed focus and determination, Crosbie is ready to push for a place in the starting XV for the crucial match against Portugal.
The injury-plagued period has taught Crosbie valuable lessons in resilience, and his mindset has shifted towards one goal: putting on a good performance and fighting for his place back in the team. As he puts it, “I’ve come back better from that. Now I’m just really focused on getting back out there, playing with a thistle on my chest and enjoying what I do.”
The Competition He Faces
Crosbie’s return comes at a time when the competition for spots in Scotland’s back row is fierce. The Warriors trio of Fagerson, Darge, and Dempsey have been pivotal in Scotland’s recent successes, making it even more challenging for Crosbie to secure his place. But with Dempsey sidelined, the opportunity is there for Crosbie to show what he’s made of and remind Townsend of his potential.
For Crosbie, it’s all about proving himself. “I want to put on a good performance to play the next week,” he said. This unwavering desire to contribute to the team is exactly what Scotland needs as they continue their campaign in the Autumn Nations Series.
