Duncan Munn hopes working with a trio of Scotland international centres in the Glasgow Warriors squad can help his game in the long run – even if it does mean some short-term pain.
The Warriors’ midfield stocks are among the most impressive in the United Rugby Championship, with the established Scotland pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones the first-choice last season, and Stafford McDowall snapping at their heels.
And ex-Scotland U20 captain Munn, who made two substitute appearances for Glasgow last season, admitted the quality of the first-choice options means there can be difficult moments in training.
He said: “Getting to train against them live...even if they catch you out once or twice, it's about being able to learn from that.
“They do make you look a bit silly in training at times but you do learn from it. It has helped me massively. I can feel my own game developing and building from theirs.”
The 21-year-old's two appearances last term amounted to a total of 11 URC minutes, and his big aim for the coming campaign is to add to those experiences, while continuing his physical development off the field.
He added: “Physically it's about working in the gym and putting on more size, and then trying to kick on from last season.
“Obviously I got a few minutes last year but trying to get as many minutes in the jersey as possible.
“At the same time, I want to learn from the other centres and the other boys here - there's great competition.”
As well as the top-class centres on the books at Scotstoun, head coach Franco Smith knows a thing or two about playing in the midfield. Munn said when the South African talks, he listens.
“I think Franco is a guy you listen to, isn't he?,” the former Boroughmuir Bears man said.
“Anything he says, you soak it in. Since he's played my position, he knows what it takes to sbe a quality centre so you definitely pay extra attention to the detail of what he's coaching.”
Munn could get his first opportunity to put forward his case when Glasgow kick off their pre-season against Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
That match comes as welcome respite from a gruelling four-week pre-season training schedule for the majority of the Warriors squad.
“It's been tough but it should be that way,” Munn said of pre-season, before adding: “I'm enjoying it and everyone is excited to kick on from last season.”
Pete Murchie hinted at a younger squad getting a run out against Zebre, and Munn said he’d relish the opportunity.
“It's been quite a while since we've all played, and a bit longer since I played, so definitely want to try and get on the pitch as much as possible and hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend.”
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