Newcastle inspiration behind maiden Scotland call up as Gregor Townsend Red Bull link downplayed

Ollie Leatherbarrow was the surprise inclusion in Gregor Townsend’s 37-man selection for their upcoming Nations Championship Test matches. The versatile back rower, previously capped at under 20 level, is one of a cohort of Scots currently turning out for Newcastle Red Bulls in England’s PREM.

International teammate Elliot Millar Mills is another, as is up and coming fly-half Jake Dalziel. However, it was centre Chris Harris that the 24-year-old says helped inspire him.

“The door’s not shut” - how veteran centre showed latest Scotland call up that it’s never too late to earn international recognition

The 2021 British & Irish Lion, who earned 46 caps between 2017 and 2023, didn’t receive his first call up to the national team squad till he was 27-years-old. Leatherbarrow said that shows that just because you aren’t included at a young age, doesn’t mean you can’t work hard to earn an opportunity.

He said: “Elliot Miller Mills kept me right. He just explained what the lads are like and just said how much of a welcoming group it is.

“To be fair, he's right. You'd expect players of this calibre to have a bit of an ego about them, but everyone's been so welcoming and made me feel they're comfortable.

“Chris Harris, he's great. He's got so much experience, and he didn't develop until a bit later as well, so maybe taking that from him, that the door's not shut if you're not capped by 22, 23.”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is involved with Newcastle through his consultancy job with Red Bull. However, Leatherbarrow revealed that didn’t play any part in his call up.

“I think it's more with the coaches,” the former Exeter Chiefs player explained when asked how often he sees the national team boss. “He doesn't have anything to do with the players. I'd say maybe once a month I'll see him in person and say hello, but he wouldn't talk to me about my game there, no.”

The Macclesfield native also spoke about his Scottish heritage, which comes through his Perth born Grandmother, and how there ‘wasn’t really a question’ of who he wanted to represent. He added: “Growing up, I always did the Exiles stuff, and it wasn't really a question of who I wanted to play for. I did 16s, 18s, I've been going to Scottish qualified stuff since 13, 14 with Rob Brieley.

“My brother, obviously, he did the 16s and the 20s, and that set a pathway for me. Unfortunately, my 18s got cancelled due to COVID and then came back and got two years of 20s. I’m massively proud to represent Scotland.”

Finally, Leatherbarrow added how the call from Scotland didn’t come as a surprise as it was a goal he has been working hard towards, saying: “I had a Zoom call on Wednesday with the coaches, just sort of talking through my game this season, where they think I'm at and what I think I'm working on and what my strengths are. At the end of that call they just let me know that I'd be selected so I’m absolutely delighted.

“Obviously I’ve spent a long time watching a fair few of the guys I'm training with so it’s pretty surreal. I’m excited to rip in and learn from everyone and take the opportunity with both hands.”

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