DESPITE all the bumps and bruises that come with professional rugby, rising star David McCall is determined to make it to the top. The 18-year-old talks to fresh about his career so far and what it means to be part of the Scotland Under-19 squad.

When did you get into rugby?

The school I went to in Edinburgh, Stewart's Melville, is a big rugby school - there's no football, just rugby. But I didn't really start playing properly until I was about 15 and I began training while I was at school. I'm an apprentice for the Edinburgh Gunners as well as playing for the Scotland U-19s.

Did you always play on the wing?

No, I actually started out at school playing full back and flanker, but I was playing really badly there and I'm much better on the wing.

Rugby isn't the gentlest of sports. Any gruesome injuries you can share with us?

I've broken my collar bone, my nose, bruised ribs, that kind of thing. I did pull my hamstring a while ago and that was just horrible - it felt like someone was stabbing away at me in the thigh.

What's it like being in the U-19s?

Well we aren't short of team spirit. It's funny because when we were at school, a lot of us used to play against each other for different school sides and it was really competitive, but now we all get along.

How was playing England at U-19 level after the senior squad's spectacular win?

I managed to score a try which felt great, although we pretty much got gubbed in the match. I was away until the day before the England-Scotland Six Nations match at Murrayfield and I was just too tired when I got home to go out and watch it. It was a great game, great for Scotland to beat England in such a tight match.

What's a typical day like?

I usually get up at about 7.30am, do a gym session and start training. The rugby session is from about 11.30am till about 3pm on a normal day, and then I'll maybe do another gym session, and then relax.

And how do you chill out?

I like seeing my friends, listening to music. I like reading as well, I've just finished The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, which was an amazing read.

It must be quite tough physically to be at the top of your game all the time - where does your motivation come from?

My family are really great when it comes to supporting me, my dad especially, and I think a lot of my motivation comes from there.

Any perks to playing rugby, aside from sporting glory?

I've been to Australia and Dubai, places I never would have gotten to if I didn't play.

Any rugby heroes?

When I was growing up I looked to people like Chris Paterson and Simon Taylor as great players.

What if rugby doesn't work out, or you get an injury and couldn't play?

Well, I have a back-up plan, I've got a place to study economics and law at Edinburgh University in the autumn. I thought it was a good idea to have something to fall back on in case the rugby doesn't go to plan - your playing career can only ever last so long.

Do you think one day you'll make it into the national team?

Well that is everyone's dream. I'm going to just stay optimistic. You never know what will happen, so I'm just going to keep trying my best, that's all you can do.

TOP TRAINING TIPS

WANT to play rugby professionally? Then follow this advice from Mark Bitcon, Scotland national team's fitness and conditioning coach.

Balance Include fast-feet drills with stepping, twisting and running in different directions when you warm up to train to give you more balance when playing. Playing a variety of different sports will also help this along.

Speed A rugby player's average sprinting distance is about 20m, so train around these distances. You may also carry out speed work at a track or your local athletics club with a qualified coach.

Nutrition Limit fizzy drinks, chocolate, sweets and foods that are high in fat. Go for plenty of fruit and vegetables, white meat and fish and drink lots of water. Always start the day with a well-balanced breakfast.

Attitude To make it to the top it is a hard road of sacrifice and determination. Never cut corners in training or with your diet or you will never reach your true potential.

Health Ensure you get time to rest after training. Aim for eight to10 hours of quality sleep and ice any bumps for 20 minutes. Smoking and alcohol are a no-no.