Luke Crosbie desperate to stake Scotland claim after injury ‘rollercoaster’

Luke Crosbie says he is desperate to stake his claim for a Scotland back-row berth against Portugal after injuries and competition for places saw him slide down the pecking order for the national team.

Crosbie started the victories over England and Wales in the 2023 Six Nations, but a shoulder injury in February’s victory in Cardiff on the opening weekend ended his involvement in this year’s tournament.

That has allowed the Glasgow Warriors trio of Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey to establish themselves as the first choice back-row at Test level.

Crosbie returned to play in Scotland’s summer tour of the Americas, and with Dempsey ruled out injured for possibly the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series, the door has opened for the Edinburgh man to remind Gregor Townsend what he can do.

“I’m just waiting for that green light to go out there and do my thing and get back in the mix,” Crosbie said.

“It’s a rollercoaster. One minute you’re starting against Wales and the next minute you’re having to get your missus to help put your socks on. That’s part of the sport. It was tough.

“You ride the emotion on the day. I want to put on a good performance to play the next week and then all of a sudden one knock, your whole mindset, thought process leading up to Six Nations completely changes. That’s it.

“I’ve come back better from that. Now I’m just really focused on getting back out there, playing with a thistle on my chest and enjoying what I do.”