In Biggar, as a wee lad, Fergus Watson cherished one treasured item above all – his grandfather's Scotland cap. It wasn't just a piece of fabric; it was a symbol of rugby heritage. Grandfather Bill Watson, now in his late seventies, was a former Scotland player and later CEO of Scottish Rugby during its early professional days.
The echoes of those dynamic rugby days still resonate with Fergus, a robust wing expected to make his mark with Glasgow this season. Though a muscular athlete at the forefront of modern rugby, Fergus holds dear the old-school rugby ethos embodied by his grandfather.
The past met the present dramatically when Fergus joined the Scotland U20s. Encountering forwards coach Fergus Pringle, who once worked under Bill, he learned of a poignant connection. Pringle shared a surprising revelation:
"I’m pretty sure he fired me from Boroughmuir."
Their shared history did not hinder their professional relationship, and both moved past this historical hiccup with a laugh. Now, with the precision of modern training and a firm grounding in rugby's storied past, Fergus aims to thread his family's legacy into his career fabric.
At the debut match where Fergus was a standout player, the presence of his grandfather was particularly moving:
"Growing up and seeing his cap and wearing it, I was like, ‘I want one of those one day’,"Fergus reminisced. The significance of this moment wasn't just felt by Fergus, but shared intimately with his family in the changing room.
Comparing historical players' weights to modern athletes, Bill highlighted the evolution of the game, sparking fruitful discussions between the generations. Fergus, towering at 6ft 4ins and weighing over 100kg, is a testament to the sport's physical development.
Despite his imposing physique, Fergus remains humble and focused. Mentored by Josh McKay, a Kiwi back with whom he might soon play at Test level, Fergus is carving out his niche. His interactions with McKay have been pivotal, as the veteran's guidance helps him navigate the pressures of professional rugby.
Fergus's robust performances are underpinned by his time in the gym, where strength and conditioning coach Luke O’Dea has been instrumental. O’Dea's encouragement and targeted training regimes have significantly boosted Fergus’s physical capabilities, paving the way for his impactful plays on the field.
Honing his skills, Fergus knows the value of refining every aspect of his game:
"My aerial game, trying to be a presence in the air and win the space as well as the ball with the way the game is evolving."He is also diligently improving his defensive tactics and kicking game, showcasing his commitment to being a well-rounded player.
This summer has been transformative for Watson; training with Scotland in Madrid, he's felt a crescendo in his rugby journey, bringing him closer to achieving his dream of earning his own cap, much like the treasured one worn by his grandfather. Every sprint, tackle, and game brings Fergus Watson one step closer to that cherished legacy, under the watchful eye and with the heartfelt support of his grandfather, Bill.
