Ollie Leatherbarrow revealed he’s been hoping for a Scotland call-up for a number of years now after being named as the one uncapped participant in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the Nations Championship.
The Newcastle Purple Bulls back-rower has been most popular forward of the likes of Edinburgh pair Magnus Bradbury and Freddie Douglas after beforehand turning out for the Scotland under-16 and under-20 selects.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Macclesfield and qualifies by way of a grandmother from Perth, has set his sights on incomes a primary cap in one of many forthcoming Checks in opposition to New Zealand, Australia, Japan or the finals match in London.
He mentioned: ‘I’ve spent a very long time watching a good few of the fellows I’m coaching with so it’s fairly surreal. However I’m excited to tear in and study from everybody and take the chance with each arms.
‘I had a Zoom name on Wednesday with the coaches, simply speaking by way of my recreation this season, the place they suppose I’m at and what I believe I’m engaged on and what my strengths are.
‘And on the finish of that decision they only let me know that I’d be chosen so I’m completely delighted. This has been my long-term purpose for a protracted whereas now. If you’re enjoying in your membership and you’re feeling such as you’re enjoying effectively, then clearly you’re at all times seeking to get that nationwide name up.
Ollie Leatherbarrow performed age grade rugby for Scotland however now earns his first senior name
‘I wish to win my first cap and I wish to be a part of the workforce that goes three from three within the autumn. We spoke about it within the first few conferences yesterday that we wish to go for that prime play-off ultimate.’
Leatherbarrow, who has began simply as soon as for Newcastle this season, admits he has been eagerly hoping to make the step as much as the senior squad as soon as his time with the under-20s got here to an finish.
‘Popping out of the under-20s, I most likely had a bit extra to study than I assumed,’ he added. ‘This 12 months, with all the brand new signings firstly of pre-season, I didn’t simply wish to sit again and settle for that there’s going to be a brand new signing forward of me.
‘I’d wish to suppose I competed fairly effectively in pre-season after which, going into the season, I’ve been concerned in each recreation. After all, whenever you’re making an attempt to place out good performances, the top purpose is at all times to be right here.
‘I spoke to Gregor in the summertime and he mentioned that I’d had an excellent 12 months and I used to be shut however simply wished to see a little bit bit extra from me. That was the primary time I’d had a dialog across the full nationwide set-up.
‘In order that’s what spurred me on in pre-season, figuring out that if I’ve an excellent pre-season in a aggressive Newcastle workforce, then the sky’s the restrict, actually. I’m massively proud to signify Scotland.’
Leatherbarrow has performed an elevated function for Newcastle this time period, catching Townsend’s eye
Townsend has a direct hyperlink to Newcastle by way of his part-time consultancy function with Purple Bull however Leatherbarrow insists that connection didn’t affect his choice. However he did converse to team-mates Elliot Millar Mills and Chris Harris about what to anticipate.
‘I believe that relationship is extra with the coaches,’ mentioned Leatherbarrow. ‘He doesn’t have something to do with the gamers. I’d say possibly as soon as a month I’ll see him in individual and say good day, however he wouldn’t speak to me about my recreation there, no.
‘However Elliot stored me proper, to be honest. He simply defined what the lads are like and simply mentioned how a lot of a welcoming group it’s. To be honest, he’s proper. You’d anticipate gamers of this calibre to have a little bit of an ego about them, however everybody’s been so welcoming and made me really feel comfy.
‘And Chris Harris, he’s nice. He’s bought a lot expertise and didn’t develop till a bit later as effectively. So I’ve taken from him that the door’s not shut in the event you’re not capped by 22 or 23. Each of them have been actually useful.’
