20 Questions: Ryan Burrows – Yorkshire Carnegie captain

How about that for a start to the Championship season?
We’re very happy about going six from six. We spoke about it at the start of the season so to actually do it is great even if the performances weren’t there at times.
How was the long trip to the Cornish Pirates last week?
We knew the threat they were to our record so we had to play well to keep it going. We were lucky to still be in the game at half-time but we improved after the break and got the job done.
Happy with the grittiness you’ve shown so far?
That’s probably the most pleasing for us and that’s we made the most improvement from last season. Regardless of how well we play we seem to find a way to win games.
How did you manage to turn that around?
We’re a year older as a team but I think bringing the likes of Alex Davies and Joe Ford at half-back has helped massively. They have a lot of experience including in the Premiership and it shows in tight games.
What must you improve?
We’re not too happy about our defence. We’ve leaked too many tries already and our discipline has let us down at times too. It keeps the opposition in the game.
How do you approach the B&I Cup?
Winning is a habit and we want to make sure we keep playing well regardless of the competition we’re in. It’s also a great opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting shirt in the Championship.
Big games coming up?
Massive! We have Jersey at home when the Championship resumes and then we take on London Irish. But we’ve got to keep focussed on the job ahead and that’s Bedford in the Cup next week.
Do you keep an eye on Irish?
Not really. It’s more about what we do and I’m sure they’re the same. We can only focus on improve ourselves and let Irish do their own thing.
Can you push them for promotion?
We certainly believe we can. Anybody can beat anybody in this league and we only have to beat them once when it counts to get promoted. We’ll see how the season goes.
What would it mean for Carnegie to return to the Premiership?
It’d be awesome for Yorkshire to have a team in the best league in England. Yorkshire is the biggest county in England and it deserves to be represented in the Premiership. Hopefully we’ll be that team.
Were you worried when Doncaster reached the final last season then?
(laughs) Not at all. They had a great season and they were one of the best two teams in the Championship. If they’d won that final they’d have deserved their place in the Premiership.
What about your own season?
I’m pretty happy to have started the first six games even if I’m still looking to make improvements like the rest of the team.
Enjoying captaincy again?
I had a year off last year and I’ve learnt a lot from it. It gave me another view about the role and I realised the mistakes I had made the previous season.
Who took the decision?
The 2014-15 season was quite draining mentally to be honest having six coaches coming in and out of the club. When Bryan Redpath arrived he said he wanted to put his stamp on the team and he gave the captaincy to Chris Jones.
Was it hard to take at first?
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t but looking back now it definitely was a good thing. I focussed on my own game for a season and I think I’m a better captain this season because of what happened.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I haven’t thought about it too much to be honest because I played professional since I was 18. But I know I’ll have to start thinking about it in the next few months.
Favourite cheat meal?
A Texas Barbecue pizza from Domino’s.
Three special dinner guests?
Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Statham and Jennifer Aniston
Best and worst banter at Carnegie?
Best would be Chris Walker who’s always involved in the jokes in the changing room, Josh Bainbridge is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Oli Goss is the best while Lee Imiolek and his scruffy outfits are the worst.