Rory Bartle benefitting from staying English qualified

London Scottish flanker Rory Bartle describes snubbing Wales‘ U20s as “a decision I had to make” as he ramps up his bid for a Premiership return.
Pontypridd-born Bartle, 20, caused controversy in March 2015 when he turned down the chance of representing Wales U20 in favour of retaining his England-qualified status.
The powerful flanker then joined Scottish from Gloucester last summer in search of game time and enjoyed an impressive Championship campaign.
Bartle told TRP: “I got capped by Wales U20s against Scotland, but the following week I was due to start against France – a game that would have tied me to Wales – so although pulling out was a sour end, it was a decision I had to make.
“I’d been given an overview of what would happen to my EQP status, which I knew was a good thing to have on my side. Not playing for Wales disappointed a few people and it was a selfish thing to do, but as a business move it was 100 per cent right.
“I got an awful lot out of last season and my game time far exceeded what I expected. I was surrounded by senior heads who passed on knowledge and I progressed as the season went on, but it might not have happened had I not been EQP.”
A graduate of Hartpury College, Bartle turned down a chance to remain with top-flight Gloucester.
He explained: “I got an offer to stay at Gloucester but it wasn’t what I wanted.
“They offered a university bursary which would have paid for me to stay at Hartpury, but I’d already done three years and wanted to move on from National One.
“I saw the Championship as the next step and figured Scottish was the best place to be looking at. I became a regular starter and going into the new season I’ve been given more of a senior role.
“It’ll be a challenge but it’s one I’ll embrace and it’ll make me a better player.
“I left Gloucester but my Premiership dream is definitely still alive.”
Bartle welcomes the arrival of new forwards coach John Dalziel. He said: “John’s really switched on and having Peter Richards and Roddy Grant here as well means we’re surrounded by top coaches who provide the best player development.
As for his future international ambitions, Bartle adds: “I just want to do my best for Scottish.
“If I get into a higher league and Wales or England were to come knocking, I’ll think about it then.”
NEALE HARVEY