I recently retired from professional rugby after a career with Glasgow Warriors spanning from 2010 to 2021. I also had the privilege of representing Scotland, earning 4 caps. Currently, I’m back in Fife, very close to my hometown. I joined the family business, Luvians, a chain of bottleshops specializing in high-quality whiskies, wines, beers, and even homemade ice cream. I’m a husband to Katie and a father to three children: Sofia, Freddie, and Nora.
What led you to pursue a career as a professional rugby player?
Becoming a professional rugby player wasn’t my initial goal. I enjoyed success with the Howe of Fife and Bell Baxter High School teams. While studying Chemical Engineering at Edinburgh University, I played for Heriots rugby club. After being selected to play 7’s rugby for Scotland during my first year at University, I eventually joined the national academy and trained for two years. In 2010, I signed with Glasgow Warriors.
Let’s dive into the topic of eyesight and night lenses. How did day lenses impact your experience in rugby? Did you ever lose one on the pitch? Why did you transition to night lenses?
I started using day lenses as a teenager, and they did improve my catching skills—well, to some extent! But I struggled to put them in properly. If a lens fell out during a game, I would run to the side of the pitch, and my mom would help me insert a spare lens. Embarrassing, I know! I only learned to do it myself just before heading off to Uni. Once I began playing professionally, managing lenses was an added worry that took away focus from my game preparation and performance. I frequently lost lenses during matches. The concept of wearing lenses overnight and waking up with clear vision on game day was a complete game-changer for me.
How did night lenses impact your rugby career?
Night lenses not only eliminated an extra concern on game day but also enhanced my sight in the sport. They played a role in improving my performance and allowed me to compete at the highest level.
How did your depth perception and judgment of distances change after you switched to night lenses?
Wearing night lenses significantly improved my depth perception and ability to gauge distances. This boost in vision confidence translated to the pitch, transforming me from a player with fuzzy vision to one with clear sight.
Why would you recommend night lenses to others?
Night lenses are a fantastic choice regardless of your profession. They eliminate the waste associated with daily lenses, and you can’t lose a lens when you’re out since you have nothing in your eye to misplace. You won’t accidentally dislodge your lens while working, commuting, or even worse, while driving. It’s one less thing to worry about amid the busy routines that have become the norm for most people’s everyday life.
You’ve traveled around the world for rugby matches. Which stadium was your favorite to play in?
I had the privilege of playing in Hong Kong during the 7’s World Series. The city holds rich rugby heritage, and the atmosphere was simply electric. It felt like a three-day party in the stands! It’s a memory I’ll cherish for a long time.
Who was your inspiration on the rugby field?
My inspiration was Richie McCaw, the New Zealand number 7 during my formative years. He managed to maintain top performance throughout his career and led the All Blacks to consecutive World Cup victories—truly remarkable accomplishments.