15 LOVE

Kinghorn making full-back jersey his own after emerging from Hogg's shadow

- FRANK HAYNES

BLAIR KINGHORN is relishing his status as Scotland's first-choice World Cup full-back after spending most of his international career seeking to emerge from the shadows of Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.

The Edinburgh back has racked up 47 caps since his debut in 2018, largely due to his versatility in being able to operate at No.15, No.10 and even on the wing.

In trying to establish himself at fullback, Kinghorn found Hogg - Scotland's record try scorer - blocking his way to a starting place.

And his bid to become stand-off seemed unlikely as long as the talismanic Russell was still at the top of his game.

But Hogg's retirement earlier this summer opened the door for Kinghorn to set about making the 15 jersey his own.