The 'sense of freedom' that McDowell never imagined 12 months ago

Glasgow centre Stafford McDowall feels the freedom to make the most of his Rugby World Cup chance with Scotland after fearing for his rugby future at the end of last season. The uncapped 25-year-old is with Gregor Townsend’s training squad in the south of France and in with a chance of making a return to the country in the autumn.

His position is a far cry from the uncertainty he faced in 2022 when he was unsure whether he would get a new Warriors contract. The departure of Danny Wilson and the arrival of Franco Smith saw McDowall rejuvenate his career and the Dumfries-born player is determined to make the most of his international chance.

McDowall, who spent time with Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations, said: “It’s been exciting for me to get the chance to play more regularly at Glasgow.

“It’s something I struggled with in the previous couple of years but, with Franco coming in, he obviously saw something in me and gave me more regular game time. It has allowed me to push on and make a few Scotland squads in a row which has developed my confidence and my game.

“I wasn’t sure what I was going to do 12 months ago. I didn’t know if I was going to continue with rugby at all at one point. To be sitting here now, I feel pretty lucky, and I am going to make the most of the opportunity.

“I managed to be able to stay at Glasgow, which is the club I want to be at, and things springboarded from there. It has almost given me a sense of freedom. Twelve months ago, I didn’t think I would be anywhere near this position, never mind in the squad and out here.

“It almost gives me that licence to play with more freedom and just get my head down and know if I give it my best shot I know I have done everything I can.”

McDowall is part of a 41-man squad that will need to be trimmed to 33 for the finals, but everyone is getting a taste of the facilities Scotland will use during the tournament. “It’s great to be out in Nice and at the hotel we are going to be at for the World Cup and get used to the training ground,” he said.

“Getting used to the heat will pay massive dividends. Obviously, it has been hot in Scotland but it’s a different type of heat here, it’s definitely gone up another notch.”