Q: Could you provide some insights into your background, Chris?
A: Certainly. I recently concluded my professional rugby career with Glasgow Warriors, a tenure that spanned from 2010 to 2021. Additionally, I had the privilege of donning the Scotland jersey, earning 4 caps. At present, I’m back in Fife, in close proximity to my hometown. I’ve embraced a role within the family business, Luvians, a chain of bottleshops renowned for curating high-quality whiskies, wines, beers, and even homemade ice cream. Beyond that, I’m a devoted husband to Katie and a doting father to three children: Sofia, Freddie, and Nora.
Q: What led you to embark on a career as a professional rugby player?
A: Strangely enough, a career in professional rugby wasn’t my initial aspiration. My journey commenced with successful stints with the Howe of Fife and Bell Baxter High School teams. During my pursuit of a Chemical Engineering degree at Edinburgh University, I was a part of the Heriots rugby club. The trajectory altered when I was chosen to represent Scotland in 7’s rugby during my inaugural year at University. Subsequently, I entered the national academy, where I underwent rigorous training for two years. The pivotal juncture arrived in 2010 when I signed with Glasgow Warriors.
Q: Let’s shift our focus to the realm of eyesight and night lenses. How did day lenses influence your rugby experience? Did you ever experience the loss of a lens on the pitch? What prompted your transition to night lenses?
A: My introduction to day lenses transpired during my teenage years, and I must admit, they did contribute to refining my catching skills, albeit to a certain extent. My challenge lay in inserting them accurately. In scenarios where a lens dislodged during a game, I’d scuttle to the sidelines, and my mother would come to the rescue with a spare lens. Quite embarrassing, I acknowledge! The art of self-application was only mastered shortly before commencing my university journey. Upon entering the professional rugby arena, the management of lenses posed an added concern, diverting my attention from game preparation and performance. The frequent misplacement of lenses during matches added to the conundrum. The concept of wearing lenses overnight, awakening with clear vision on match day, heralded a revolutionary shift for me.
Q: How did the adoption of night lenses influence your rugby career?
A: The integration of night lenses not only alleviated an extra burden on game days but also ushered an elevation in my visual acuity within the sport. They played a pivotal role in enhancing my performance, enabling me to compete at the pinnacle of the game.
Q: Could you elaborate on how your perception of depth and judgment of distances underwent transformation upon transitioning to night lenses?
A: Wearing night lenses induced a profound transformation in my depth perception and distance assessment capabilities. This newfound confidence in my visual perception seamlessly translated to the rugby pitch, elevating me from a player with compromised vision to one with absolute clarity.
Q: What motivates you to endorse night lenses for others?
A: The appeal of night lenses transcends professional boundaries. They obviate the wastage associated with daily lenses, and the beauty lies in the fact that there’s nothing in your eye to lose when you’re out and about. The concern of inadvertently dislodging a lens while engaged in work, commuting, or even more critically, driving, is nullified. Amid the bustling routines that have become customary in the lives of most individuals, night lenses alleviate an additional layer of concern.
Q: Your rugby career has taken you to diverse corners of the world for matches. Could you pinpoint your favorite stadium to play in?
A: I was fortunate enough to grace the grounds of Hong Kong during the 7’s World Series. The city boasts a rich rugby heritage, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying. It felt akin to a three-day celebration in the stands – an indelible memory I’ll cherish for years to come.
Q: On the rugby field, who served as your inspiration?
A: Richie McCaw, the New Zealand number 7, served as a beacon of inspiration during my formative years on the rugby field. His ability to consistently deliver peak performances throughout his illustrious career and lead the All Blacks to consecutive World Cup triumphs stands as a testament to his remarkable achievements.