What are your memories of mini rugby?

I remember rolling about in the mud down at Alloa Rugby Club. A lot of my best mates are guys I played mini rugby with at the age of five or six and we’re still really close.

How do you balance your training regime to ensure defensive and attacking skills are developed equally?

I think that naturally happens during the week with coaches making sure that our sessions are balanced. When it comes to planning what I’m working on, I always have at least one thing in attack and defence as it’s important you work on both sides of the ball.

If you weren’t a professional rugby player, what would be your dream job?

This is my dream job. I grew up loving rugby and to play professional rugby is the ultimate dream. If I wasn’t playing rugby I would no doubt be doing what I did before – an apprentice chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry.

Sausage rolls or scotch eggs?

Sausage rolls, definitely.

If you were to give one bit of advice for an aspiring lock what would it be?

I think for any aspiring player it’s making sure you work hard and enjoy it. For a lock in particular there are things that are technical and specific to that position but everyone, in every position, must have similar skillsets.

Does having the support of the fans at BT Murrayfield help on the field?

When you hear that noise, it really does lift you to another level. It’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced. To feel that support is something I never take for granted.

What’s your favourite joke?

What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.

What is your favourite scrum drill?

The way I have gotten better at scrummaging is by doing it live and practicing less against a machine and more against each other.

What has been your greatest moment as a professional rugby player?

My first cap for Scotland. As a kid, all I wanted to do was play for Scotland and to achieve that dream was something I’ll never forget. Leading out Scotland twice on the 2014 summer tour was something I would have never envisioned, beyond a dream really.

What do you have for breakfast on a game day?

Similar to most days: scrambled eggs, beans, toast and usually a bowl of porridge as well.