Barton proud of how he 'stuck at' full-back role

Back George Barton said he is proud of the way he has "stuck" at taking on a more versatile role within the Gloucester team.

A homegrown player born in the city, Barton has been part of Gloucester's age-grade academy system since 2014, originally playing as a fly-half.

But he assumed a more varied role in the past few years transitioning to full-back, and has been deployed in the 15 jersey as his primary position this season.

"There were challenging times where I really wanted to play, but one thing I've prided myself on is as long as I work hard off the pitch and control what I can control hopefully avenues open up where I get opportunities to play," Barton told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"I'm very fortunate that that's happened and I think I've shown that I've stepped up and I've put my foot down a bit. I've got Skivs' [head coach George Skivington] backing. I'm happy to still be here and I'm in a good position with it all now."

The 24-year-old has started nine games at full-back this season, including the past three Prem games which featured wins against Exeter and Sale, and has often been first choice on kicking duties, converting 86 points.

With Skivington often choosing a 6/2 split on the bench, Barton is regularly the utility option in the 22 or 23 jersey to provide cover at 15 and fly-half.

"It's opened up more of a unique role for me, almost that second, third ball-player option which is a bit different to other options in the team - whichever route we decide to go down it opens up another avenue," Barton said.

"I'm really happy with it - I'm proud of the way I stuck at it."

Barton signed a contract extension with the Cherry and Whites in March to remain with the club beyond this season.

He said he has been working with attack coach James Lightfoot Brown developing his full-back skillset, while trying to keep the qualities that make him a fly-half.

"It's similar but very different to 10," he said.

"The best part of my game is probably my playmaking, my kicking, so it's still using that weapon and then building in the 15 aspects on top."

That being said, he has had to get used to being more in the firing line for tackles and collisions at full-back, than he would at fly-half.

"I've always prided myself on being a bit tough and rugged, even when I was playing 10. Being a local lad, having a bit of dog about me was what I always prided myself on," he said.

"I didn't really have to change too much on that front. I did have to put a little bit more weight on but a lot of it was just being ready for contacts and collisions, because you're going to get more."