20 Questions: Scott Steele – London Irish scrum-half
We’ve just started our second block of training and it’s ramped up from the first three weeks we had.
What’s the plan now?
We’re going to play Munster in Cork at the end of the month before some time off. Then cracking on ahead of the start of the season.
That game should give you a good base for the end of pre-season?
Definitely, we’ll know where we stand and we can see how things go. I can’t wait to play. Training is good but there’s nothing like playing a game to impress the new coaches.
How is Tom Coventry settling in?
All the coaches have been here for a few weeks and it’s been good. We’re still working hard on fitness but we’ve done a bit of rugby, too.
Can you already see his vision?
Because of his Super Rugby experience he sees the game in a positive manner. He likes his side to have an attacking mindset and have a crack.
Must be music to your ears as a scrum-half?
It is very exciting to have a coach like that and all the players are buying in. It might mean the forwards will have to get a little fitter, though!
Does the long pre-season help in that sense?
We won’t have any excuse not to be ready when the season starts as we have had a long time to prepare. Everyone else will be well drilled, we have to be ready.
How do you look back at your season?
I came to get some game time and ended up playing in 22 games despite the level of competition in my position, with guys like Tomas O’Leary. I’ve learnt a lot game by game and hopefully I can keep building on that.
How did you become such a hit for Irish?
I worked really hard and the other boys supported me a lot giving me tips along the way. I played well in pre-season and managed to stay consistent and keep the shirt.
What can we expect this season after all these changes?
We want to be better. We targeted the Challenge Cup last season but we couldn’t go past Edinburgh in the quarter-finals and that was disappointing. Hopefully we’ll be able to gel together and move forward this season.
Tomas is gone but you have another Test player in your way with the arrival of Wallaby Brendan McKibbin?
He has a lot of experience and he’s a top bloke. He’s helped me a lot already. Like the new coaches he has that Southern Hemisphere view on the game so it’s been good to pick things off him.
Linked up with Andy Goode yet?
He’s had surgery over the summer and hasn’t trained but it won’t be long before he does. It’s been nice having him around the changing rooms, though. He’s got a lot of experience and I can’t wait to pick his brain on the pitch.
What do you need to improve in your game?
My running game and offloading improved a lot but it was mainly due to confidence. I’m hoping to play like that from the off and make a difference on the pitch.
You came through the Tigers academy?
I was at Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh and when I left the Tigers offered me a trial during the Premiership 7s. It went well so I stayed there for the next three seasons.
As well as playing in the 2013 Junior World Cup for Scotland?
I hadn’t been picked for the Six Nations but there was a few injuries and I managed to get into the squad. I ended up playing four of the five games in a team which had Jonny Gray and Mark Bennett in it.
These two are in the senior squad now, can Scotland reach the World Cup quarter-finals?
They have a huge game against Samoa and that’ll be their biggest target. But I think they can do it.
You’re favourite cheat meal?
I had hip surgery a while back and had to cut back on food. I’ve lost a bit of weight and am feeling better for it. I’m hoping it’ll show when the season starts.
Three special dinner guests?
David Beckham, Brad Pitt and Calvin Harris, who’s from Dumfries like me.
Best and worst banter at London Irish?
Conor Gilsenan would be worst but prop Jonny Harris is a good character.
Best and worst dressed?
Jebb Sinclair is the worst no hesitation while Geoff Cross is the best.
