now because I want to see how my mates
are getting on but if Scotland and England
cross paths, there is only one team I’ll be
rooting for.”
And Welsh remains confident that Scotland
can make it out of Pool A in Japan: “It’ll be
tough but I believe we can do it. Every four
years, there is a massive advancement in
the game that it just keeps pushing the
standards higher.”
And after so long out of the game, the
former Whitecraigs, GHA and West of
Scotland man insists he’s not worried by a
lack of contact from Scotland boss Gregor
Townsend.
“I’ve not really heard from him but that’s pro
sport for you. I’ve bumped into him a few
times at some of the Falcons games when
he's obviously been down to watch John
Hardie, Garry Graham and Chris Harris, and
I've chatted to him then.
“You need to play well for your club to be
selected for your country so the first part
of my process is getting back to complete
pre-season training. Then it’s completing the
pre-season games and after that, you’re into
the league.
“All going well, I've probably only got a year
in the Championship but few, if any, players
get picked for international duty from the
Championship.”
For now, though, Jon Welsh just hopes he
can put together a run of games and repay
Newcastle Falcons for the faith they’ve
shown him in an 18-month injury nightmare
that is now hopefully at an end.
Welsh attempts to stop Saracens prop Mako VunipolaWelsh thanked Newcastle Director of Rugby
Dean Richards for his supportISSUE 116 2019 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • 69RUGBY WORLD CUP - SCOTLAND PREVIEW