“This is probably the biggest game I'll have played for Scotland”: Former pupil Matt excited by Irish rugby contest
The Six Nations returns this weekend for round four of the 2023 competition and there is a mouth-watering contest in store at BT Murrayfield on Sunday.
With former Strathallan pupil Jamie Ritchie leading from the front as captain, Scotland will be looking to defeat world number one side Ireland.
If they can do that, they would keep their title hopes alive going into the last round of fixtures on March 18 and they would also secure a Triple Crown which comes when wins over England, Wales and Ireland are notched up in the same competition.
The Scotland matchday 23 will be named on Friday and, as well as Jamie, other former pupils Zander and Matt Fagerson are set to start in the pack alongside him while scrum-half George Horne may be involved.
Matt, 24, has been in excellent form at No.8 and he is getting better and better with each game.
“I think this is probably the biggest game I'll have played for Scotland,” he said looking ahead to his 32nd cap.
“We aren't looking too far ahead, you can’t be thinking about titles or what the permutations are, we've got the world number one team coming to Murrayfield and that's all our focus is on.
“It is a huge challenge for us and one that this squad is really excited for.
“When you play for Glasgow Warriors against teams like Leinster and Munster - who are probably gold standard in Europe at the moment - it is an awesome challenge and it is the same facing Ireland with Scotland.
“They are always physical, good contests with both teams giving it everything. These are the types of games that I enjoy the most.”
As mentioned, Matt has been in very good form and, in this tournament to date, has helped the team defeat England and Wales and then push France so close in Paris a fortnight ago.
“I’ve definitely improved. My physique is something I’ve really focused on over the past two or three years, trying to find my best playing weight,” he explained.
“I’ve actually dropped quite a few kilos since the start of the season. I think I’m in a pretty good place at the moment where I’m lasting longer in games and contributing more towards the latter end of games.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve come on leaps and bounds or anything this year, but I’ve definitely improved and I know what value I can bring to the team.”
Playing for your country is special for everyone, but doing it alongside your older brother is extra special.
Matt and tighthead prop Zander, 27, often stand next to each other while singing the national anthem and the former said: “It is always an honour to go out and played for Scotland and when you get to do it with your brother and your best mate it is a pretty incredible feeling.
“It probably dawned on me more at the England game when he wasn't standing there [Zander was injured]. It was a pretty emotional time and I never take it for granted any time I get to sing the anthem side-by-side with him.”
Scotland versus Ireland kicks off at 3pm on Sunday and is live on BBC Sport
