VIDEO: Schoeman was bracing for this moment
WATCH: Powerhouse prop Pierre Schoeman is a big unit, but when he heard he was included in the British & Irish Lions squad, he could not hold back the tears.
The South African-born Scottish loosehead admitted he was in tears following his selection.
This marks a momentous occasion for Schoeman as he received his first selection to the prestigious touring squad.
Duhan van der Merwe and Schoeman join a distinguished list of Edinburgh legends who have donned the famous red jersey, including Andy Irvine, Iain Milne, Simon Taylor, and Ross Ford, further cementing the club’s proud history of contributing to the Lions.
“I knew Porter would be [in the squad], so I knew it would be somewhere around Porter,” Schoeman said.
“I was bracing for the moment. It was exceptional. We shared some tries. You can’t handle the emotions. No one preps you for that moment,” the big man commented.
*Article continues below…
Earlier in the season, Schoeman had admitted he had written down B&I Lions selection as one of his goals, but stressed that he focused firmly on helping Edinburgh qualify for the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
“It [the B&I Lions tour] is obviously something I’ve written down as a goal, and hopefully it will be. But the only controllables you can have are to play bloody well for Edinburgh, do everything you can, leave no stone unturned,” he remarked in April.
Having firmly established himself as Scotland’s first-choice loosehead since making his debut three and a half years ago, the South Africa-born forward, 30, feels his game is in good shape.
“I’m really feeling good physically and mentally, but I’m always looking to improve,” he said. “As a prop, your first job is scrum, set-piece.
Edinburgh Head Coach Sean Everitt expressed his immense pride in the selections, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled for Duhan and Pierre on their selection for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Summing up the emotions 💙🦁
A massive day for Duhi and Pierre – hear from the men themselves about what it all means to them 🏰 pic.twitter.com/LzqVboUrAB
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) May 8, 2025
“It is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the consistent high level of performance they have delivered for Edinburgh Rugby. Duhan has proven himself on the international stage with the Lions before, and for Pierre to earn his first call-up is fantastic and richly deserved.
“As a club, we are incredibly proud to have them representing Edinburgh on such a prestigious international platform this summer.”
NEW IN THE APP: Official World Rugby Rankings hub! Compare team rankings side-by-side, with data going back 20 years.
Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
