“We’re excited” | Smith relishing action-packed block

Having returned to Scotstoun a fortnight ago ahead of the resumption of the BKT United Rugby Championship, the Warriors have been hard at work in preparation for one of the biggest months of the season to date – a prospect that’s creating a buzz amongst Smith’s squad.

“We’re excited,” Smith told glasgowwarriors.org.

“The whole squad has been working well and the boys who haven’t been involved with Scotland have pitched up, worked hard and put themselves in a really good position for the start of this next block. They’ve run and done their work as required, and it’s been a really positive couple of weeks at Scotstoun.

“It’s uncommon to have 10 matches back-to-back, so our squad depth and the way we apply ourselves will be very important. Our injury rate is low at the moment, so we’re grateful for that and glad that we’ve come through the first part of the season in good shape.

“All of our building blocks are in place, so it’s going to be very important that we all come in and are aligned. Our aim is to progress and keep on moving forward through this competitive block of fixtures.”

First up in the second block are the Scarlets, as the Warriors travel to west Wales this Saturday night upon their return to domestic action.

It’s a test that Smith believes will serve his side well, with last season’s quarter-finalists posing a tricky challenge for the men in black.

“We’re our own opposition – we play to progress our own standards,” Smith explained

“It doesn’t matter who we face, because every team is a tough and unique challenge in this league.

“The Scarlets have a quality group of players and a strong coaching group, so we know that we need to be at our best and keep our own levels high.

Attentions then turn not only to the return of the Investec Champions Cup, but to Glasgow’s own return to Hampden Park later in December as they host Edinburgh in the latest chapter of the 1872 Cup.

Whilst not looking too far ahead, it’s an occasion that promises to be special for all those of a Glasgow persuasion – including the club’s Head Coach.

“All of us are excited to head back to Hampden Park again this year,” said Smith.

“The occasion last year was incredible and the supporters really came out and made themselves heard, which is so important in any match but especially a derby match.

“We have two massive Investec Champions Cup matches to go before then as well, but we know that the most important match is always the next one. It’s a cliché, but we’ll take it one game at a time, build our squad back up and keep all of our players focused and ready to meet each challenge over the next 10 weeks.”