Having set a new Glasgow Warriors appearance record last month Rob Harley is setting his sights on setting a formidable target for the youngsters who are beginning to make him feel his age.
Still only 27 the internationalist’s versatility suggests that he could yet have the best part of a decade left in the sport, but is not one to get ahead of himself.
“I definitely hope so (but) I don’t like to look too far ahead,” he said to my suggestion that .
“I believe in taking the next game as it comes, so we’re very focussed on Zebre this week, but in the back of my head, signing [a new two year contract] means that hopefully I can make it hard for these young guys to get close to the record for a while. It would be nice to put a good distance between me and them.”
While aware of his achievement he is clearly a long way from being ready to view his career in the round.
“I’m very proud to have reached that milestone. It is a weird feeling. (Previous appearance record holder) Graeme Morrison and (Pro12 winning captain) Al Kellock who were playing when I came through. It would be nice to be up with those guys one day,” he said.
However there is that knowledge that a new generation is beginning to apply pressure in a squad that already boasts a posse of internationalists in the back five world where he plies his trade.
“I’ve been feeling old for a while, but that’s just because of these young guys coming through into the squad like Matt Smith and Matt Fagerson, they are great players and always challenging,” Harley said with a smile.
Still part of the wider Scotland squad, but not required on the field during the recent Six Nations campaign, he was the obvious choice to take over the captaincy in the absence of Scotland No.8 Ryan Wilson and was pleased with how the team performed in consolidating its lead at the top of Conference A to remain on course for a home semi-final.
“I think it is testament to the depth in the squad. We lost quite a few guys but everyone was ready to step up and play well,” he said.
“One of the weeks we talked about putting down a marker with our performance and making it hard for the international guys to get their place back, and I think there are guys who can be proud with what they’ve done during this period in giving the coaches some hard decisions.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Zebre that has duly been achieved and there is excitement at now having the band back together.
“I think it is a time when we get a real big boost because the squad comes back together after having a few guys away with Scotland. We can get out on the field and train with big numbers which helps our preparation and is good fun,” said Harley.
“We work hard and enjoy what we do, and hopefully that shows in the way we play.”
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