England call has given me a new perspective - Buchanan
HARLEQUINS hooker Rob Buchanan reckons his career is ready to peak in the wake of last season’s shock England call-up.
Buchanan, 26, was rewarded at the end of a fine campaign in which he recovered from a longstanding pectoral injury to feature in 29 games for Quins, racking up over 1,800 minutes as the Londoners secured sixth place.
He now has England regulars Dylan Hartley and Jamie George in his sights, telling The Rugby Paper: “There was a lot of rugby and my body was feeling it, but last season was one of my best and it was nice to be recognised.
“It was a massive surprise to get that call from England and although I turned an ankle and couldn’t go on the tour, just getting into camp after everything I’ve been through has given me a whole new perspective on things.
“I know we’ve got Dylan, Jamie and guys like Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tommy Taylor, but I’d like to think my peak is yet to come.
“If you look back, I haven’t actually played that much rugby. I only played my 100th game for Harlequins last season after eight years at the club, so while the injuries have been frustrating my body is still pretty fresh.
“I’m signed here for another three years so if I can maintain consistently high game time, I feel I can push those other guys.”
Of George’s impact in New Zealand earlier this summer, Buchanan, right, added: “What Jamie George has done over the last couple of years or so has been amazing. We’re of a similar age and he deserved his Lions spot for sure. “I’d say he is the No.1 hooker in the UK at the moment so it doesn’t do any harm to watch him and learn a few things. “Cowan-Dickie is the all-round player as well, with great skills, ball-carrying ability and footwork, but I think I can carry on progressing in the new systems we’ve got at Quins while improving the basics of scrum, lineout and rucking.
“There’s lots of good hookers out there and I’ve got a big enough challenge at my club from guys like Dave Ward, Joe Gray and Charlie Piper, but it’s a challenge I’m ready to accept and I’ll look to hit my stride this season.”
Quins are desperate to improve on last season’s sixth place. Buchanan explained: “We achieved the minimum target so we have to build on that.
“Last year was always going to be quite difficult with everything changing on the coaching side, new defensive systems and a slightly different way of attacking, but it’s settled now and we’re ready to take another step.
“We’ve made some impressive signings in guys like Francis Saili, and our new captain, James Horwill has 100 per cent respect from the lads. With Nick Evans now on the coaching staff, I’m confident we can make progress.”