Scotland flanker Rory Darge admitted that he “didn’t see” the captaincy coming, but said that he was “honoured” to receive the call.
The 23-year-old will lead his country in their Rugby World Cup warm-up encounter against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Darge has only earned seven caps in his international career so far but he has impressed head coach Gregor Townsend enough to take the leadership role.
”Pretty special”
“It’s a bit of a weird feeling,” the back-row said. “I’m honoured, obviously, but I’ve only got seven caps at this level so I didn’t really see it coming but I’m delighted that Gregor has picked me as a captain and sees me as a leader.
“It was pretty special when he told me. It was on the Friday morning last week, not long before he announced the team (internally). I’m glad he did it on the Friday so I had time to get my head round it.
“It didn’t frazzle my head, but I was just glad that I had time to digest it and tell my folks, take time to think about what is expected of me throughout the week and to have those conversations with guys who are more experienced in the role.
“I know it doesn’t seem like long, but it’s just been a bit more time to dwell on it and think about what I’m going to do. It’s been a pretty special week.”
Darge had a superb season in 2021/22, making his Test debut in the Six Nations, but suffered a nasty ankle injury later that year.
That kept him out of the Autumn Nations Series and ultimately prevented him from appearing in the 2023 Six Nations.
“It was the worst injury I’ve had and it was my ankle, so you can lose range and get quite stiff,” he said.
“The physios and strength and conditioning staff at Glasgow, and the other boys who were injured, helped me get through it because it was pretty tough going into Scotstoun early in the morning when boys were either through here (in Edinburgh with Scotland) or on holiday.”
No pressure
Darge doesn’t believe that there is any extra burden on his shoulders, despite the responsibility being the captain brings.
“There are different responsibilities, but it doesn’t change how I act,” he said.
“My biggest responsibility is to play well on Saturday so that’s what I am focusing on doing. The other stuff will come along with it.
“I’ve felt very supported and that has helped. It’s a big honour for me, quite a big deal, so to feel like you’re supported and backed is essential.
“I’m just excited for the game. It’s been a long time since I last played rugby (for Glasgow in the Challenge Cup on 19 May). Pre-season has been tough so to get the opportunity to put it out there, it can’t come quick enough.”
READ MORE: Scotland v Italy preview: The hosts to triumph over experimental Italy
The article Scotland youngster Rory Darge admits ‘weird feeling’ in captaining his country appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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