Pierre Schoeman is renowned for his infectious personality and the Scotland prop hopes to channel that into his big dreams for the future after embarking on a new venture away from the rugby pitch. 

The 30-year-old still has plenty in the tank - or barrel - with ambitious aspirations of playing for another decade but recently launched a whisky business Against the Grain, with club and international team-mate Duhan van der Merwe.

Schoeman and his Edinburgh team-mate Duhan van der Merwe are embarking on the venture togetherSchoeman and his Edinburgh team-mate Duhan van der Merwe are embarking on the venture together (Image: SNS) While rugby  remains the priority for the South African-born duo, their first two releases,  Hirundine One and Two, both sold out, and Schoeman’s passion is clearly visible when discussing his side hustle. 

“It is going really, really well,” the Edinburgh prop said.

“The first job is rugby, but the more it rains in Edinburgh the better it is for us because today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky. 

“It was actually my wife who had the idea of Against the Grain – I wanted to use the name for maybe a book after rugby, as a biography or something – but then I spoke to Duhan and asked if he wanted to join this idea. He said he loved the proposal and said he was on board. It just suits both our stories: going against the grain to Scotland and Edinburgh and embracing it. 

"We wanted to give something back to our friends, family and fans, to enjoy while we are playing and long after we are playing. The first two limited releases sold out and now we are going to do Hirundine 12-year-old malt, which will go out in six weeks.

“We might even get footballers, cricketers or movie stars involved because rugby connects people worldwide. It’s part of the culture with the Six Nations, Edinburgh, Scotland and 1872 - it connects people from Scotland to the world.

"People in South Africa love whisky through hunting, fishing and the outdoors. So do all our friends in Scotland on a cold evening with a glass of whisky around the fire or watching the game. 

“We might one day enjoy a glass of whisky while watching our kids play rugby in Scotland. You have to use these opportunities while you play to add value to life after rugby but it can’t be a distraction. It just made sense for Duhan and I.

"He’s getting even more into the peat whiskies because he’s not really one for strong whiskeys - he likes the light stuff.” 

Schoeman and van der Merwe’s venture has started impressively but there’s big plans for the future. The Edinburgh prop has rubbed shoulders with some famous faces over the years and he has aspirations to involve Hollywood stars. 

Schoeman continued: “I know Sam Heughan from Outlander. He’s a massive fan of Duhan and I, but we are massive fans of him firstly.

"He has his own whisky as well, which is amazing. We’ve seen Gerald Butler around camp and at matches so we could push the boat out and get him on board.

Gerard Butler was at last year's Rugby World CupGerard Butler was at last year's Rugby World Cup (Image: SNS) "Another good actor and friend of ours is Martyn Ford.  He was at three of the Six Nations games and came to watch Edinburgh too. They call him the ‘world’s scariest man’ and he’s been in a few A-list movies but I’m name dropping now!

"Maybe we can get someone famous like Blair Kinghorn in Toulouse to keep all the French fans happy.”

Schoeman is currently back in his homeland as Edinburgh prepare for their second clash of their South Africa trip in the URC against the Lions on Saturday after losing their opening two fixtures.

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Despite missing out on the play-offs last season, Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt set an ambitious top-four target for his players this time around with Schoeman sharing that confidence. 

“I strongly believe we are a top four team in the URC,” he insisted.

“That’s our goal. We are disappointed that we didn’t beat Leinster and the Bulls, and we are confident going into the Lions game that we can beat them. But it is going to take a graft.

"They have a good scrum, but also they have some really good athletes, especially in the backline and the back-row as well. So, we know what to expect and we know we have to match them – but I have a really good feeling. We are confident, we have clarity and we just have to execute on Saturday to take our opportunities.”

Pierre Schoeman was in good spirits ahead of the clash with the Lions on SaturdayPierre Schoeman was in good spirits ahead of the clash with the Lions on Saturday (Image: SNS) Edinburgh’s double-header in South Africa has acted as a mini-tour and Schoeman believes the squad will benefit from spending quality time together. 

“It’s almost like when national teams come together for a camp and there are no distractions because you have so much quality time together.

"You learn more about your teammates and how to work with them to get the best out of them. All these things are helpful and it can bring you tighter as a group. We are very competitive in training and the whole group is connected.”