Steyn reflective after Dublin defeat

20 May 2023

Even after the full time whistle had sounded and the pyrotechnics accompanying the Toulon trophy lift had subsided, the noise of the Warrior Nation cut through the Dublin night sky clearly for Kyle Steyn and his team to hear.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 19: Glasgow Warriors fans during a EPCR Challenge Cup Final between Glasgow Warriors and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium, on May 19, 2023, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

With the blue flags flying as their team made their way around the Aviva Stadium, the travelling supporters were there to rally behind their heroes in spite of the disappointing result.

“It’s a pretty tough one to process,” captain Steyn told BT Sport post-match.

“We weren’t where we needed to be in the first 20 minutes, and full credit to Toulon because they capitalised on that and took their chances.

“To come this far and progress the way we have this season, only to come unstuck in two knockout games, it’ll take a bit of time to get over.”

Despite crossing for a brace of tries himself and playing his part in Sebastian Cancelliere’s score, the efforts of Steyn’s men would ultimately prove in vain as they sought for a way back into the match.

It’s the resolve and dedication with which his team stuck to their task that pleased the Glasgow captain, however.

“I’m proud of the boys,” said Steyn.

“I’m proud of the way we carried on fighting even when we were down on the scoreboard – we still created chances and we still kept taking the fight to Toulon.

“At this level in knockout rugby, though, you have to take more of your chances than we did tonight.”

Yet whilst the season may have ended without silverware, the pride and passion with which Franco Smith’s band of Warriors has filled the club’s jersey throughout the campaign has been more than matched by those in the stands at both Scotstoun and across Europe and South Africa.

“When you see how many Glasgow supporters made the trip to Dublin and made the noise that they made in the stadium, it definitely makes you appreciate how far we’ve come in the last 12 months or so,” said Steyn.

“We’re obviously hurting after losing that one, but we are so appreciative of the people both here and at home that have behind us every step of the way.

“We said at the start of the season that we wanted to play a brand of rugby that inspires people to follow us and support us, and by the amount of flags in the stands tonight it really brings it home to us that we’ve done that.”

‘The Glasgow way’ is back – and this is only the beginning.