20 Questions: Fraser Brown – Scotland hooker

How’s the Scotland camp one week away from the World Cup?
Everyone was pretty happy to go through the warm-up games without any major injury. We’ve had a week off but we’re back in camp on Monday to get ready for our first game against Japan on the September 23.
It’ll be tough with the USA only three days after that?
It will but hopefully our squad will be able to cope because we must win those two games if we want to reach the quarter-finals.
Only South Africa and Samoa after that?
Indeed! It’ll be massive for us. We’ll have a tough test against the Springboks before taking on Samoa for what looks like a knock-out game for a place in the play-offs.
Can you do it?
Definitely. The game will be in Newcastle so hopefully it’ll help us with a lot of Scottish fans in the stands. But as the cliché goes we’re not looking past the first game against Japan because if we lose that’ll be it for us.
Are you in a better place than you were after the Six Nations?
Losing all five games people questioned us but we saw a lot of improvements in recent weeks. Our main focus was to make sure we put in an 80 minutes performance.
What did you make of your four warm-up games then?
The two wins against Italy were good and I thought we played well against Ireland and France. But Test rugby is about results and we were very disappointed not to have won those two games.
With one start and one appearance off the bench, were you pleased with your involvement?
I picked up a hamstring injury against Ireland and that kept me out of the two games against Italy which was annoying. But I managed to get back fit and returned against France last week. Warm-up games are always weird because you want to get up to speed gradually but you still have to play well enough to make the final 31-man squad.
Personal targets for the World Cup?
I’ll keep them for myself but of course I’d like to get involved as much as I can and compete for the jersey.
We hear being there is quite a victory for you already?
I watched the last World Cup from my sofa having pretty much retired through injury so it’s been a big turnaround in the space of four years.
What happened?
I spent two and half years injured where I had two shoulder surgeries as well as one on my neck. I’d lost some use of my left arm. Edinburgh rightly let me go and I thought that was it for me, aged 20. But I got bored and got back into it.
How did your work your way to Glasgow?
I worked hard on my conditioning just to be healthy in my daily life and I played club rugby in the back row which got me noticed. Glasgow came knocking and I returned to professional rugby.
Ended up winning the Pro12 last season?
It was amazing for me, the whole squad and for Scottish rugby to be honest. From where the Warriors were ten years ago to turn it around and be able to compete and beat a team like Munster was just brilliant.
How important is Greg Townsend?
The brand of rugby he wants to play is similar to how we want to play with Scotland. He wants his players to express themselves on the pitch and have a go.
Expecting the Test side to benefit from that?
There are a lot of Glasgow boys in the squad and that helps to have that mindset when we’re on the pitch.
Can Glasgow push on in the Champions Cup?
The past two seasons have been disappointing as we put ourselves in a position to reach the quarter-finals but failed at the last hurdle.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
My parents have a farm so I’d probably be working with them if I didn’t get back into rugby.
What annoys you the most in life?
I’m quite strong-minded and I like things done my way so if they’re not that tends to annoy me.
Three special dinner guests?
As a Scot and Manchester United fan Alex Ferguson, Jonah Lomu is a hero of mine and Will Ferrell will add some humour.
Best and worst banter in the squad?
Best is John Welsh but the worst is Tim Swinson.
Best and worst dressed?
Sean Maitland has to be the best while Finn Russell is definitely the worst.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on September 13.