20 Questions: Rory Bartle – London Scottish captain

Chomping at the bit for some proper rugby?
Very much so! We’re happy to see the back of pre-season. We’ve done some good work so we’re keen to see how things go in the Championship. We’re going to Nottingham first up. It’ll be a tough challenge but we’re looking forward to it.
How did your pre-season games go?
We had two tough fixtures against Blackheath and Saracens but we took a lot out of it. Facing a full strength Sarries side was pretty tough but we stood up and managed to win some battles.
Is that what you have to look out for against the best team in Europe?
It would have been easy to back down and accept defeat but nobody did that which was great to see.
So confidence is high after that?
Exactly, if we managed to do some good things against such a team, like making the gainline, we should be able to do it against anyone.
What were the key areas you worked on over the summer?
We want to throw the ball around so we tried to get as fit as possible because we’re not the biggest or most experienced squad in the league.
Is that a tactical shift from a forward-dominated game?
Not as such – it’s still Championship rugby so the set piece will be key. We’ve got a new forwards coach in John Dalziel who’s brought in his ideas and we’ve also seen a lot of changes in playing personnel.
Happy to be named captain at just 20?
I’m honoured to have that responsibility and luckily for me I have some very good people around to help me out. Filling the boots of Mark Bright won’t be easy but I’m excited.
How did you find out?
I got called into a meeting and the coaching said they were considering me. I captained the side in the two pre-season games and then decided to accept the offer.
How do you view last season, your first out of school?
It exceeded my expectations. I had personal targets but I never thought I’d play 23 of the 28 games. I learned a lot and it’s been so beneficial.
The gamble of leaving Gloucester to join Scottish full-time paid off then?
It was a risk and I have no doubt I’d have flourished at Gloucester too, given their development program, but I have no regrets about my decision. I think it was the right step for me.
New goals?
I want to be as influential as I can on the squad and perform week in, week out. If we all do that results will come and we’ll have a good season.
Worried about the added pressure of being captain?
No. I did think about that but given the experience helping me out, I’m sure I’ll be able to only focus on my game.
How do you look back at last season?
We reached the play-offs two years ago so it was disappointing to finish eighth. We had a lot of changes with players coming in and out and it’s the same this year. We want to improve that but we still took positives out of last season.
Like your defence?
We conceded the fewest tries in the league last year and we are proud of that. Hopefully we can use that as inspiration but we won’t get too caught up in it because we only have nine guys left from last season.
Gelling quickly will be crucial then?
Yes, we had a good pre-season trip to Edinburgh and that helped build team spirit.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be in Cardiff but there’s no way I’d be doing something I enjoy as much as rugby.
Favourite cheat meal?
A tub of Ben & Jerry’s after a hard day training. Ice cream helps recovery!
Any three dinner guests?
Jeremy Clarkson, Karl Pilkington and Muhammad Ali.
Best and worst banter at Scottish?
There are just too many bad ones. Dom McGeekie is the best though.
Best and worst dressed?
Best would be Harry Sheppard but Robbie Ferguson is the worst hands down.