Christian Scotland-Williamson

Christian Scotland-Williamson interview: On his time as a Pittsburgh Steeler, and a possible return to rugby

'I know I could compete in both sports, so it is just about seeing which opportunity piques my interest the most'

Christian Scotland-Williamson could make a return to rugby.

Christian Scotland-Williamson is at a crossroads. The former Worcester lock left rugby union at the end of 2017 to pursue a career in the NFL - but it could be time for a return to rugby. 

At 27, Scotland-Williamson is coming into his prime for whichever sport he chooses to pursue next.

“I’m open to offers on both sides,” says Scotland-Williamson, speaking from his family home in London. “Obviously with the football season underway at the moment, there is nothing coming from that right now. I know I could compete in both sports, so it is just about seeing which opportunity piques my interest the most. 

“I’ve had quite a lot of strong interest from rugby so I know that is definitely there for me. It is just a decision of whether I want to try again across the pond or come back to rugby and make a push for England.”

Few athletes have the ability to span multiple sports at the elite level. Yet despite not playing rugby for two and a half years, Premiership and French clubs alike have shown interest in the former Pittsburgh Steeler. Scotland-Williamson shot to prominence after delivering a devastating tackle on Alex Rieder. Given his evident tackling capability and his six foot, nine inch frame, it is little surprise that clubs are monitoring his situation closely.

Scotland-Williamson was making progress in the NFL. He initially joined the Steelers via the international player pathway programme - which creates an extra spot on the roster for international players - before earning a contract outside of the programme. The tight end was preparing for a run at making the final 53-man roster but a badly timed foot injury ruled him out of contention for the current season. Following his injury, Scotland-Williamson was released the day before training camp began.

So how does he reflect on his time in the NFL?

“The most challenging and most rewarding part of my life. It is bittersweet, especially since I was in touching distance and then having to have the surgery which ended my time with them. 

“The highlight of my Steelers career was definitely at the end of the second year - when the pathway was over - and there were no guarantees. Coach Tomlin wouldn’t let me sign my contract until he spoke to me and he said ‘You’re not a rugby player anymore. You’re a steeler now’. The General Manager came and spoke to me as well. That was huge as those two people have seen a lot of athletes come to their door and they rated my abilities and skills even though I had only been playing the sport for two years.”

Although Scotland-Williamson’s NFL dream is over, for now at least, another former rugby player is making waves this season. Jordan Mailata, an Australian rugby league convert of considerable size, has ended up starting a number of games for the Philadelphia Eagles this season - in part due to an injury crisis on their offensive line.

Mailata has performed remarkably well, given that he had barely played a game of American Football in his life before this season. Scotland-Williamson is not surprised by his development. The two formed a close friendship having started the international player pathway at the same time with Scotland-Williamson even travelling to Philadelphia to watch him play.

“It’s not a surprise to me although it has been a shock to the rest of the world,” says Scotland-Williamson. “A lot of the American consciousness cannot comprehend that someone can upskill themselves so quickly and play at that elite level. 

“It is possible when you have the raw physical skills and intellect that Jordan possesses. I’m just so proud of him. My time was cut short with injury but to know he is flying the flag for us international guys is huge.”

International players in the NFL are part of an exclusive club. They face the difficulty of proving themselves having not been through the collegiate system and, in the case of Mailata and Scotland-Williamson, not having even played the sport before.

Scotland-Williamson has kept his eye on the sport he left where possible. He watched Harry Williams, who he attended Loughborough university alongside, win the double with Exeter recently. The former lock has also exchanged texts with Ollie Lawrence, encouraging him to keep going and to keep making progress. Scotland-Williamson is particularly pleased to see players from his former club Worcester getting some international recognition.

While there is undoubtedly a crossover between rugby and American Football, they require different types of athletes. Scotland-Williamson is confident he could transition back to rugby, albeit after some time spent working on his conditioning.

“I’m definitely a far better athlete having made the transition - more powerful, quicker, stronger,” he says. “It is a completely different type of training. More explosive, more power movements. In rugby, for a second-rower, there is more running and conditioning. I have the confidence to know I’d be one of the most powerful players in the league if I were to come back. It is just making sure you can complete those physical exertions over time.

“In terms of the skill base, American Football has challenged my dexterity in a new way. I was used to playing rugby - I have been playing since I was 9-years-old so that side of things is more innate. My skills have improved more so than if I had just stayed. I can now do things that rugby players cannot do, so it wouldn’t be a problem.”

It is clear that Scotland-Williamson would relish another chance to play in the NFL. But it also feels as if he has unfinished business in the sport that was his first love. So what will come next for Christian Scotland-Williamson?

“I’m entertaining a few offers, so we’ll see.”