Off duty with Scotland Rugby Team's Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

We recently spent some time in the shop catching up with one of the elite players of Scotland's Rugby Team. Sam has the charisma and charm that is a perfect match for his classic style and passion for the well loved sport. A scrum half, leading the pack, sporting the Scotland regalia on the pitch by day, classic-timeless gentleman, clad in tweed by night, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, professional rugby player, shares his experience representing the country's national team as well as his fondness for well-tailored, classic attire.

Name: Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne
Profession: Professional Rugby Player for Scotland and Edinburgh

For your full-international debut, you came off the bench to replace captain, Greig Laidlaw in the opening game of the 2015 RBS 6 Nations Championship in France. Was this a nerve-racking debut?

My debut for Scotland against France at the Stade de France was an awesome experience and one I will always remember. Was it nerve racking? Yes! With a crowd of 80,000 mainly French fans and everyone at home watching on TV, it's difficult not to feel nerves. I remember the moment well, standing at the back of the long tunnel behind my team and next to the imposing French players; I could hear the roars in the stadium ahead. The nerves didn't last long-the moment I ran onto the pitch, I had a job to do and the rugby at that level, everything happens so fast you don't have time to feel nervous!

Just months after you started, you were selected for Scotland's World Cup Squad. Was this something you had always dreamed of achieving?

Playing for Scotland was always an aspiration while growing up. To be involved in the 2015 World Cup was even more special particularly that it was hosted in the UK.

Was 'Scrum Half' a position you had always aspired to?

Scrum Half was never a position I had ever played or thought I would while growing up. I started my career playing Stand Off, which I really enjoyed and always wanted to play. My move to Scrum Half happened after my year with the Scotland Sevens team.

The season is just about to begin. How has the pre-season training been?

Tough! It is probably the best pre-season I have had in my career to date. Having torn my hamstring during the Scotland Camp in the summer, it meant I had to miss a few weeks at the start of pre-season with rehab. However, I got straight back into it and played catch up to get me physically prepared for the long season ahead.

You have been a wonderful model for us. How would you describe your own personal style?

Being a professional sportsman, it means a lot of time in training kit, so when I'm not training I like to make an effort to dress smart, and when I get the opportunity to dress up for formal events, I make the most of it. I would say my style is classic, traditional and timeless.

"From the moment I walked into Stewart Christie & Co, the ambiance and surroundings of the shop made me feel like it was going to be a great experience. I loved the insightful information about all the different tweeds I tried on, and the bespoke tailoring that was offered. Dan and Vixy were a pleasure to deal with and I am looking forward to wearing my new suit."

-Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne

All garments by Stewart Christie & Co

Photography by Laura Meek