SA-born rugby player Pierre Schoeman: ‘I choose Scotland’

South African-born rugby player Pierre Schoeman has defended his decision to play for Scotland’s national team.

The former Bulls player, who moved abroad in 2018, also recently celebrated earning his citizenship alongside his wife, Charissa. 

PIERRE SCHOEMAN ON PLAYING FOR SCOTLAND

In a snippet from his interview on Origin Story, Pierre Schoeman opened up about leaving South Africa not only to play club rugby in Scotland, but also to represent his adoptive country on its national team.

The 33-year-old revealed that he had initially “manifested” owning a Springbok jersey, as his own. But as fate would have it, he ended up owning several – after trading it with his opponents whilst playing for Scotland’s national team.

He told host David McIntosh Junior: “God’s dreams for you are much bigger than your own dreams. The way was a much different route. And I would not change it for the world”

Pierre Schoeman shared that he had packed up his life in South Africa, sold his house and gave away his belongings to move to Scotland with his wife, Charissa, with just two suitcases. The couple vowed to “not look back”

Pierre stated that he had endured intense media scrutiny over his decision to represent his adoptive country.

He added: “Even if I’m good enough to play for South Africa, I chose Scotland. That’s my answer, and it still is. And it will forever be”.

FROM NELSPRUIT TO EDINBURGH

Before his big move to Scotland, Pierre Schoeman – who was born in Nelspruit-  attended the  Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria. He also studied Business Studies at the University of Pretoria and represented the Blue Bulls.

Interestingly, Pierre represented South Africa at under-18 and under-20 levels.

In 2018, Schoeman signed a deal with Edinburgh Rugby. In 2021, he made the Scotland national training squad after he qualified to play for the country through residency.

Fast forward to 2026, and both Pierre and his wife, Charissa, officially received their Scottish citizenship. He has now earned 53 test caps for the national team.

Pierre and fellow South African rugby player Duhan van der Merwe, who, like him, plays for Edinburgh and for the Scotland national team, are also business partners in the whisky company called Against the Grain.