Meet Sebastian Pace

Meet Rugby Player Sebastian Pace

Sebastian plays touch rugby for the Scotland x18s team. I have always loved sports and plan to continue to play for as long as I can.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

Most rugby players have played touch rugby informally during training or warmups. Its faster than rugby union and that always suited me physically. I saw an advert for try-outs for the Scottish Touch academy in late 2023 and decided to give it a go!

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

I started played rugby union at Deeside when I was 8 and Touch Rugby not until I was 14. I currently play for Firebirds in the Aberdeen Touch League.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

My biggest challenge is balancing my sports life with my academic studies and making sure I am not sacrificing one for the other. I overcome this by doing my best in school so that I am left with more time for sport.

What are your goals for the coming year?

I have just been selected to the Scotland Mixed Under 18s team for the coming Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland in August so I will be training hard for that and hoping for a few wins or even a top 3 placing.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

I play touch twice a week locally and meet up with the Scotland Touch Academy monthly for a training camp. I supplement this with some cross training and strength and conditioning, and during the Rugby Union season I train and play with my rugby team.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

I’ve always been a very determined person, and I enjoy pushing myself to see what I can achieve.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

This year we will be playing in a number of warm up tournaments across Scotland before heading to an international tournament in Ireland in August.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

I remember that I am playing the sport because I enjoy it and stop thinking about only playing competitively and just have fun.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Antoine Dupont because he has proved to the world that you can be the best at two sports (Rugby Union and Rugby 7s) without sacrificing one for the other.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

I scored against England in the European Touch Cup in 2024!

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

Thinking about how the training will help me achieve my goals in sport.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Have fun and no matter the conditions always try your hardest.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

The talented athlete pass provides a local facility that I can use flexibly around sport and school. Its particularly useful for strength and conditioning training.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Facebook - Scottish Touch Association