Glen Young targets Rugby World Cup 2027 place after securing Edinburgh future

Glen Young has named Rugby World Cup 2027 as his primary motivation heading into Edinburgh’s new United Rugby Championship season, with the 31-year-old lock determined to reclaim a Scotland place after more than two years out of the international picture.

Young last featured for Scotland against Canada — his only Test start — before a torn pectoral muscle cut short that campaign and a series of further injury setbacks saw him slip down the national pecking order. He now faces competition from at least ten other locks for Gregor Townsend’s attention, but insists the challenge sharpens rather than diminishes his ambition.

“For me, I wouldn’t shy away from saying it would be a goal,” Young said. “You’d be silly if you said you didn’t want to play in a World Cup. Realistically I am not getting any younger so if I was to go to one, this is probably my best chance now. It just goes hand in hand with playing well for Edinburgh.”

The Borderer’s professional future looked uncertain earlier this year, with only months remaining on his Edinburgh contract and the player actively exploring options outside rugby, including time spent with businesses in the renewable energy sector. A run of consistent, energetic performances — he featured in 20 of Edinburgh’s 23 matches last season, starting 14, including a couple at blindside flanker — earned him a new one-year deal and a sixth season at the club, following previous stints at Newcastle, Doncaster and Harlequins.

Competition for places at Edinburgh remains fierce. Grant Gilchrist, now Scotland’s most capped lock, Marshall Sykes, Callum Hunter-Hill, the 6ft 11in Rob Carmichael and Scotland Under-20s standout Christian Lindsay all demand regular game-time. However, Gilchrist is sidelined until mid-October with a bicep tear, opening an early window for Young to press his case.

“It’s a good second-row group and we work together; we know each other’s strengths and how each other works,” Young said. “Even when Gilcho’s injured, we’re still leaning on his experience and he’s always helping me out.”

With the URC season set to begin next week and Australia 2027 casting a long shadow over pre-season preparations across the professional game, Young’s blend of renewed contract security and unfinished international business gives him a clear target to chase through the months ahead.