Blair Kinghorn: Toulouse ends Edinburgh’s dream, but versatile full-back remains resilient

Blair Kinghorn’s Bittersweet Farewell and the Allure of Toulouse

In a dramatic turn of events at The Hive, Blair Kinghorn bid farewell to his beloved Edinburgh with both triumph and regret. As he stood on the touchline, it was not as the hero who had scored two sensational tries for his team but rather as the source of a costly mistake that led to their defeat against Benetton.

“Pretty raw,” he confessed, speaking not only about the freezing temperature of the night but also about his own disappointment. “A mistake by me at the end cost the team. Too risky, bad decision.”

The audacious offload near his own try line showcased Kinghorn’s daring nature – a quality that has caught the attention of French powerhouse Toulouse. When it goes well, he is hailed as a swashbuckling hero; when it goes awry, like on Friday night, he becomes desolate and introspective – finding solace only in thoughts of his upcoming adventure in France.

“To be honest, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” Kinghorn admitted when discussing his move to Toulouse. Just one more game remains before he leaves Edinburgh behind forever. Come December 3rd, he will no longer don their jersey but will instead join Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack,and other esteemed players in what is considered rugby’s greatest club.

“The realization won’t hit until I’m actually there due to how quickly everything has happened,” Kinghorn explained. “It’s an immense privilege for me – a tremendous challenge to grow as both a player and an individual.”

Stepping out of his comfort zone has become imperative for Kinghorn. He believes that pressure is the catalyst for personal growth and aims to thrive amidst the world-class talent that fills Toulouse’s dressing room. Although he anticipates moments of frustration, he knows that passing up this opportunity would be a grave mistake.

The Legacy Left Behind

This was not how Blair Kinghorn envisioned bidding farewell to his hometown in Edinburgh. The current Edinburgh team may have evolved significantly since his early days under cautious coach Alan Solomons, but their propensity for self-destruction remains unchanged.

Kinghorn’s unique brand of adventure did not always sit well with Solomons, who favored a more pragmatic approach. Yet, despite the years that have passed, Kinghorn still possesses the ability to deliver awe-inspiring moments followed by acts of frustration – as witnessed once again at The Hive.

Two exceptional tries showcased Kinghorn’s undeniable skill and justified Toulouse’s interest in him. However, it was one ill-fated offload close to his own try line that handed Benetton the lead with only minutes remaining – ultimately proving decisive in their defeat.

Although this moment stood out prominently, there were numerous instances throughout the match where Edinburgh sabotaged their own chances: lost lineouts deep within Benetton territory, an increasing number of errors committed on fielding balls correctly or dropped passes scattered across the park… The list goes on.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Making amends seems crucial for Blair Kinghorn as he looks forward to facing Ulster next weekend – a pivotal game that he desperately wants to win before departing from his beloved club. His journey does not end there; instead, it takes him across the English Channel to France.

On December 23rd, he will don the Toulon jersey as they embrace their status as European Challenge Cup champions. Soon after, a clash with La Rochelle awaits – a team known for their fierce competitiveness and formidable talent.

The uncertainty of what lies ahead is overwhelming, but it is this very perplexity that fuels Kinghorn’s desire for growth and success. As he embarks on his new chapter in rugby, one can only anticipate the impact he will make among the elite ranks of French rugby.