Former Scotland captain Stuart McInally swaps rugby for the cockpit at Jet2

Stuart McInally, the former Scotland captain and Edinburgh hooker who retired from professional rugby in 2023, has completed his transition into commercial aviation by joining Jet2 as a Boeing 737 pilot.

The 34-year-old, who skippered Scotland during a distinguished international career, had been quietly building flight hours since 2014 — while still competing at the highest level of the game. The day after his final professional season ended, he enrolled to study for his Airline Transport Pilot Licence, a process that has now culminated in him piloting 40-tonne aircraft across European routes.

McInally credits a chance encounter during his playing days for setting the course. Edinburgh Airport captain Mike Stewart, having learned of the hooker’s passion for flying, invited him to spend time on a flight deck and meet working pilots — an experience that hardened his resolve to pursue aviation once rugby was done.

The former front-rower says the two worlds are less different than they might appear. “While it’s a world away from the rugby pitch, there are more similarities than you might think,” McInally said. “Teamwork, preparation and staying calm at all times are just as important in aviation, so I’d like to think my rugby career has helped me in pursuing my dream.”

He also spoke warmly of the onboarding process at Jet2. “The training programme gave me real insight into every part of the operation and showed how many people work together to deliver those fantastic customer experiences Jet2 is known for. It was clear from day one that Jet2 genuinely lives its values.”

Jet2 chief customer officer David Hills welcomed the former international into the fold. “Stuart’s journey is a fantastic example of the incredible people we have across our business. His achievements in rugby speak for themselves, and we’re just as proud to see him succeeding in his new career. It’s clear that the qualities which made Stuart such a successful athlete have carried through into aviation.”

McInally’s story adds to a growing list of elite rugby players who have pursued demanding second careers after the game, though few have made quite as literal a leap — from launching lineout ball into the Edinburgh sky to commanding a commercial jet above it.