20 Questions: Gordon Rosss – London Welsh player-coach

Been anywhere nice on holiday?
Not yet. I got married in June and the fortnight before was pretty manic. We've not had a honeymoon yet but we've got a week off in August.
How's the new coaching job going?
An enjoyable month so far. I was apprehensive with all the new signings, but the attitude has been excellent and it's exciting times.
Always fancied coaching?
Yes. I qualified as a teacher in PE after I left school so it's about using that and the experience I've picked up. It's a new challenge but one I'm relishing.
Boots still at the ready?
I'm still registered as a player and the competitive edge is there so I'll be bridging the gap between coaching and playing, but coaching is the priority.
How do you chill out?
As much golf as possible. I also like reading the papers over a long breakfast and enjoy my Sundays going out for a nice meal and a couple of drinks.
Enjoy watching other sports?
Love it. I had a few days at Wimbledon this summer, which was great, and I've got the Ashes on now as well. I also enjoy watching golf and football.
Play a lot of sport at school?
I played as much as I could. It was all football where I grew up but once I started attending George Heriot's School the rugby and cricket took over.
Hearts or Hibs fan?
Hearts! It's been an emotional summer with them in administration and being docked 15 points.
When did rugby become a career option?
In my first year at university. Rugby had only just turned professional and in my second year I was offered a full-time contract with Edinburgh.
Remember your debut for Scotland?
It was November, 2001, against Tonga. I've still got the points record (23) for a debutant. The only kick I missed was when I saw myself on the big screen!
Was that your best moment in rugby?
That and winning the Powergen Cup with Leeds in 2005. The last six weeks when we won the cup and avoided relegation was pretty special.
Were those four years at Leeds your best?
I'd say so. It got me out of the comfort zone of Edinburgh and I really enjoyed it. The professionalism was great and Phil Davies looked after me really well.
If you could be another sportsman, who?
Just now it would be Andy Murray! I love my golf, though, and used to admire Sandy Lyle and Jose Maria Olazabal… so either of them would do.
Best piece of advice?
Keep trying to improve yourself and work hard. When you read about Sir Alex Ferguson and what he's achieved, it's always down to work ethic.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Rugby's all about discipline so I get annoyed when players turn up late for sessions. That and mobile phones in the gym are what upset me most.
Pre-match ritual?
I have the same meals before games: porridge in the morning followed by scrambled eggs and beans on toast three-and-a-quarter hours before kick-off.
Most prized possessions?
The Powergen Cup medal and my first cap and strip for Scotland. My mum got them framed and they're in my house in Edinburgh.
Best and worst banter at London Welsh?
Worst is definitely Seb Jewell. He's very loud and we hear the same stories 10 times a day about how good he was, is and will be. Best is one of the new guys, Pete Edwards, who's arrived from the Scarlets and is very entertaining.
Best and worst dressed?
Seb Stegmann seems pretty cool and is always well dressed. Worst would probably be Billy Moss, who's a big lad but insists on wearing skinny clothes that don't look right.
What would you change about rugby?
The scrum. Get the ball in, get the ball out and that would be great. Scrums take up far too much time when all we backs want to do is just get on with it.