20 Questions: Dougie Flockhart – Doncaster wing

Back in training yet?
We’ve been back for a week now. We’re trying to ease the players in gently so I think they have a false sense of security. We’ll pick things up soon enough.
What was the mood at the end of the season?
We were pretty disappointed with some parts of our season but we managed to get our act together and make the play-offs again.
Why did you struggle at the start of the season?
We couldn’t find the winning formula for a while. We changed things up in the way we played and it took a while to adapt. But we got there and we also got some boys back from injury.
Did you find it hard to live up to your finalists’ status from the previous season?
We did well to reach the final two years ago but we weren’t amazing. We scraped through wins at times and that’s something we couldn’t do last season.
What’s the plan to be ready for Jersey away on the opening day of the season?
We want to be firing on all cylinders by the time the season starts. We have four pre-season games so we should be ready come the first weekend of September.
Who will you play against in August?
We start with Guernsey at the end of a camp there and then Newcastle twice with Loughborough Students in between.
What do you need to improve next season?
London Irish brought a new level of physicality to the league last season and that was something we’d never seen before – even with Bristol or Worcester. We want to improve on that.
Do you expect the other teams to do the same?
The Championship always had physical teams on one side and then the running teams but Irish had a good blend of both. I don’t know about the other teams but that’s opened my eyes about how rugby should be played.
Is the Championship improving?
Definitely, and it’s obvious to see since I started at Doncaster. The fitness of the players and skill levels has gone up over the years.
Many movements at the club this summer?
We’ve got a few and the squad’s got bigger which is good. But it’s hard to say if it’ll work or not as we’re only running and doing skills right now. We’ll find out in August.
How long have you been at the Knights?
This will be my ninth season and I’m loving it. I really want to break the ten-year mark which is quite rare these days. We’re always pushing up and, hopefully, we can get to the next level before I retire.
Why didn’t the Knights apply for Premiership status before the play-offs?
I don’t think that’s a permanent stance. Getting promotion would have stretched the resources on and off the field far too much. We’ve got good foundation but it would have been bonkers in a way.
Did what happen to London Welsh have an impact on the board’s decision?
They know what they’re doing and with all due respect to London Welsh I think they’re probably looking to have a similar model to Exeter rather than the Exiles. We have to take our time to make sure we’re ready for it if it happens one day.
Scotland international in Rugby League?
I grew up in Dumfries where Rugby League is huge so I love that sport. I played for Clyde and York and got two caps for Scotland in the European Championship in 2005.
How long left in the legs?
I’m feeling pretty good at the moment so I’d say two or three years at least.
Are you planning for the future already?
I’ve been the Strength and Conditioning coach at Doncaster for five years now and that’s probably something I’ll go into once I retire.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m pretty brutal when it comes to my diet but a curry goes down well. I also like a haggis pakora and Guinness with a single malt chaser.
Three dinner guests?
The Dalai Lama, Rugby League legend Jonathan Thurston and Stone Roses’ Ian Brown.
Best and worst banter at the Knights?
Alex Shaw without a doubt for worst. Colin Quigley knows exactly how to rub Clive Grifitths up the wrong way and that’s hilarious.
Best and worst dressed?
Sam Humberstone always looks sharp on socials but Lloyd Hayes has no dress sense and his haircuts are always terrible.