Scrum of the Earth /

Dylan Hartley fled New Zealand to play club rugby in Sussex. Now on the cusp of an England debut, the 22-year-old Northampton hooker with his own brand of athletic skullduggery puts the record straight on tempers, FIFA 09, and room service.

Long time no see mate. How’s tricks?

Good mate. How long’s it been? When I was at Worcester maybe?

Must be.

Why can’t I look like that? I might stop playing rugby.

I’m reaping the benefits of not going to the gym for six years. So how are you enjoying the lavish hotel?

Pennyhill is pretty impressive mate. It’s nice having everything on site, you can just walk down to the pitch and the food’s good.

What’s been on the menu?

It’s all fairly tailored to being quite healthy. Matt Lovell’s here planning every last detail, but it’s the usual selection of meats, salads, vegetables, all your carbohydrates and protein.

So you’re not getting to sample the Michelin starred delicacies?

Not much. For people like me, who have to get up at 6:30 for fat club it’s no good. It’s not so much compulsory. It’s for boys like myself whose weight fluctuates.

S*** metabolism eh?

Exactly… It makes the right impression though.

Is it frustrating to miss out on Saturday?

I’ve got to be realistic. I’ve only just returned to premiership, i’m only 22, and Lee’s [Mears[ got a few caps behind him, he’s well tested and is a good player. I’m going to relish it 'if' and when I get the chance. One thing’s for sure I’ll definitely make an impact.

The All-Blacks would be nice eh?

Yeah, but I was in the same situation in the summer. I’m not looking that far ahead, it’s all about the weekend and staying focused.

What’s the rooming situation been like?

Every Sunday night we come together as a 32, but by Tuesday, the boys that miss out can go home. So, over the first couple of days we’ve spent it in two’s. I’ve been with Delon [Armitage]. Even when we’re down to just the 22, we’ve stayed together. I don’t like rooming on my own.

So it’s pretty isolated - where do you hang out?

We’ve got a team room.  EA sports have laid one on with Xbox’s, Wii’s and all the FIFA's, NHL’s and NBA’s. It’s quality.

Who’s the best?

I’m the best. I’m a bit of a nerd. I’m the FIFA champion. There’s not been too much hotel room shenanigans. We’re that tired from training that i’ll just jump on facebook, collapse and fall asleep.

Hotel rooms - sounds like fun?

We’ve got our own room service menus. Each of us has a daily budget, so it’s good if you’re too lazy to come down to the team room but the selection isn’t that good. It’s not fudge cake, it’s like chilli with houmous dips and celery. I’ve only used it once.

Who are the practical jokers?

The older boys are a bit more relaxed at training. Phil Vickery is one of the more sneaky ones, but the new guys just want to keep quiet and get their heads down.

Click here to read part two