#160 Pierre Schoeman - Why I Chose Scotland Over My Springbok Dream

In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with Pierre Schoeman, the South African-born Edinburgh and Scotland rugby prop. We talk about growing up in a country where rugby can feel like a religion, the setbacks that shaped his early career, and the decision to leave home and build a life in Scotland.This is a conversation about more than rugby: it’s about family, faith, belonging and figuring out who you are when the game eventually ends. Pierre also shares what it felt like to play against South Africa in a Scotland shirt, how he’s preparing for life after rugby, and whether he can imagine returning home one day.Expect to hear about:- Growing up in South Africa and falling in love with rugby- The family experiences that shaped Pierre- Being selected for the D team and finding a way forward- Leaving home for Scotland with two suitcases- Playing South Africa as a Scotland international- Preparing for the mental side of life after rugby- Scottish slang, braais and a quick-fire roundCHAPTERS00:00 The 127kg rugby prop and the steak02:01 How social media can bring people to rugby04:19 Growing up where rugby is a religion14:35 Family and the experiences that shaped Pierre19:44 The setback that changed his rugby journey24:59 Leaving South Africa for Scotland30:15 Playing South Africa in a Scotland shirt39:45 What happens after a rugby career?44:47 Preparing for life after the game55:11 Building connections beyond rugby58:27 Style, charity and Slaters1:01:05 Scottish slang quiz1:03:00 Quick-fire questions1:05:20 Could Pierre return to South Africa?Thanks to Slaters for sponsoring this episode.If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to Origin Story and let me know your favourite moment in the comments.--Follow David & Origin StoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmcintoshjrWebsite: https://davidmcintoshjr.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DV9tUfz5nGCmH0bfZUFrMApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/origin-story-with-david-mcintosh-jr/id1542740010Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjr— Sponsored by SLATER MENSWEAR OFFICIAL TAILORING PARTNER OF ORIGIN STORY.https://www.slaters.co.uk/?srsltid=AU7gw4Vj7l4xsLUMIsAoO4ipQRybKQn9nv694aIW0gvg4O1v2RTQ-WDiFuelled by NEUTONICCODE “David”