Around the Grounds | Family connection key for Bryce

Around the Grounds | Family connection key for Bryce

For Glenn Bryce, a former Glasgow Warriors star whose professional career took him from Scotstoun to the United States, there was always one dream left unfulfilled: pulling on the same jersey as his nephew, Layton.

This month, that dream finally came true when the pair ran out together for Stirling County RFC – a moment Bryce describes as “just unreal” and one that brought back his love for the game.

“It was quite something special for sure,” Bryce says, still buzzing from the weekend.

““It’s actually crazy – just memories for life. You just can’t put it into words.”

Bryce, now 34, had previously hung up his boots after a decorated career with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby. He admits he didn’t expect to play again – until a gentle nudge from Layton reignited his passion.

“I gave up rugby and then I didn’t think I’d play again,” he recalls.

“Then my nephew was like, ‘Uncle Glenn, I think you should play again. I think you’ve got so much more to offer.’ And I just kind of thought, ‘yeah, you’re right actually.”

It was enough to convince him to return to his boyhood club, Stirling County, where his rugby journey began. Bryce had come through the Colts system there before going on to represent Scotland 7s and carve out a successful professional career. Coming back, he says “means more for me, it’s my club.”

Layton, who has been Bryce’s “number one fan” since childhood, had spent years watching his uncle from the sidelines and even tagging along in the changing rooms, but a serious injury delayed their chance to share the field together. Finally, in last weekend’s National League One match away to Gordonians in Aberdeen, the stars aligned.

“Just having that opportunity to play with him at the weekend was unreal.” Bryce says.

“It means a lot to me – being there for him now, for his career, and helping him kick on.”

The occasion was emotional even before kick-off.

“I was definitely a bit emotional going on the train through to Stirling,” Bryce admits. “I was fighting back the tears. But once the game was kicking off, I was just getting my head into it.”

The match itself was memorable for more than just the family storyline. Stirling County maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a dominant 74-7 win – a result that keeps them firmly in the hunt for promotion.

“We’ve got a lot of boys competing for the positions now, especially the younger guys getting opportunities, which is good,” Bryce says.

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

The full-back believes the energy around the club is different this season, helped by the integration of former Super Six players and academy talent.

“It’s a great buzz in the club at the moment,” he says.

“It feels like semi-pro basically. The younger guys stepping up are really enjoying that professionalism.”

While Bryce admits he still misses aspects of the professional game – “you’re going to work with 60 mates… I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it” – the joy of playing alongside family and representing his boyhood club again outweighs any nostalgia.

“I loved playing at Glasgow. I felt I played my best rugby there,” he says.

“But coming back to County and sharing the field with Layton – that’s something else.”

For Bryce, this season is about more than just chasing promotion. It’s about legacy, mentorship, and the unbreakable bond between uncle and nephew forged through a shared love of rugby.

“He’s got his early stripes,” Bryce jokes. “I keep him humble. But he’s doing great, he’s doing awesome.”

As Stirling County charge towards a potential return to the top flight, Bryce knows this is just the beginning of a new chapter – one written side by side with the next generation of his family.

“Every game we want that five points and we want that W. “Plain and simple,” he says.

Elsewhere in clubland, it was also a big weekend in Arnold Clark National League One for Marr, as they welcomed Gala to Fullarton and beat them 59-24 to keep themselves three points clear of County.

Glasgow Academicals traveled to Jedburgh to take on Jed-Forest and came out on top 50-26

As it was the holiday weekend, both the Men’s and Women’s Arnold Clark Premiership had a rest week but are back in action this weekend. Here’s what you can expect:

In the Men’s Arnold Clark Premiership, if you fancy a day trip, Ayr has got you covered. Currently top of the table, the Millbrae outfit face eighth place Hawick at home. With five wins under their belt, Ayr is an almighty challenge for the Borders side as they have only one win so far.

If you’d rather be closer to home in Glasgow, head on down to Anniesland and get behind seventh place Glasgow Hawks as they take on fifth place Kelso. With only one win so far, Hawks will be looking to make a comeback against their Borders opponents.

If you fancy a trip down the M8, head over to Goldenacre and get behind second place GHA as they face ninth place Heriots. With five wins from five, GHA will be looking to continue their momentum along the M8.

All Men’s games kick off at 3pm.

In the Women’s Premiership, sixth place Cartha Queens Park face second place Watsonians at home. With only one win so far in the league, Cartha will be wanting to make some waves against the second-place side.

Third place Hillhead Jordanhill welcome top of the table Stirling County to Hughenden this weekend. With three wins under their belts the HillsJills will be looking knock top of the table and undefeated County down a peg or two.

All Women’s games kick off at 2pm.

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