Rugby World Cup is goal but I need to play against the tier-one nations, says Edinburgh forward

Thursday marks one year to go until the 2027 Rugby World Cup and Liam McConnell would love to be part of the Scotland squad in Australia. But the young Edinburgh flanker knows he needs to first establish himself in the national side.

McConnell, 22, made his Scotland debut last November in the win over the United States at Murrayfield during what was a breakthrough season for the player. He was a regular in the Edinburgh back row throughout the campaign and was named in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the Six Nations.

Unfortunately, injury ruled him out of the championship but he returned to international rugby in the summer, winning a call-up for the Barbarians for their match against South Africa in Gqeberha and then winning his second Scotland cap in the victory over Fiji in the Nations Championship.

McConnell has started the new season well, helping Edinburgh beat Ulster away in round one of the United Rugby Championship. He hopes his form will continue and lead to more international recognition in the autumn when Scotland host New Zealand, Australia and Japan in the Nations Championship.

He knows that these are the type of games he needs to be involved in if he is to be a contender for the World Cup squad.

“We've got some big ones in the autumn and then hopefully when the Six Nations come around, try and be involved in that as well,” said McConnell. “So [it’s about] just trying to be involved in the bigger, more high-pressure Scotland games.”

McConnell, who captained Scotland Under-20s to success in the World Rugby U20 Trophy two years ago, would love to be on the plane to Australia next autumn for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“It would definitely be a goal,” he said. “But I probably have to play some more of the high-pressure Scotland games. I doubt you'd maybe go to a World Cup if you didn't play a single Six Nations match, or against a tier one country, so I think I'd have to do that first.”

In the meantime, McConnell will focus on helping Edinburgh build on their good start, with the Stormers at home up next on Friday.