Stuart McInally, the Edinburgh and Scotland rugby hooker, is set to retire from rugby to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.
The 32-year-old, who has captained Scotland and earned 47 international caps, will play his final game on Friday in the United Rugby Championship match against Ulster. His retirement comes as he prepares to embark on an exciting new chapter in his life, one that he has been planning for the past decade.
McInally has been a mainstay of the Edinburgh rugby team since he made his debut in 2010. His 176 appearances for the club put him sixth on the all-time list, and he has been a fan favourite throughout his career.
However, he has always had a keen interest in flying and has been working towards his private pilot’s licence since 2013. Now, after years of hard work and dedication, he is ready to take the next step and become a commercial airline pilot.
McInally admits that retiring from rugby has been a tough decision, but he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. “It was really tough knowing this was the moment to move on,” he said.
“I always thought it would be really easy to retire because I’ve always known what I want to do after rugby – become a pilot – but stepping away from the club I love is massive, and it’s been a huge decision.”
While he will officially retire when his contract ends in November, McInally is ready to start his new career as soon as possible. He is eager to begin his training and start working towards his goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. “While I’m obviously sad to be moving on, this decision has really been 10 years in the making,” he said. “I’m now massively excited to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.”
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#1. Stuart Hogg – Everything
After confirming his retirement, Hogg said in a statement: “A new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game.”
The Scotland legend has revealed he isn’t too keen on coaching, but will remain in the game as a pundit after making his debut on BBC during the 2023 Six Nations.
PUNDITRY:
Sources tell RUCK that BT Sport (soon to be TNT Sports) are keen. to recruit the fullback as a key part of their 2023/24 Premiership coverage.
RESTAURANT OWNER:
He is the co-owner of steak house Finsbay Flatiron in Glasgow.
The focus for Finsbay Flatiron is steak, specialising in 8oz flat irons (as the name suggests) and steaks from £8 on weekdays and £10 on weekends, as well as sides like mac and cheese and triple cooked chips.
DISTILLERY:
He’s a director of a distillery named Maiden Batch.
Caulker’s is a collaborative effort between five Glasgow men, two of whom happen to be British Lions and Scotland rugby internationals, Hogg and Alastair Kellock. The bottle is signed by all five.
