Forbes fresh and ready to earn starting place for Rainbow Cup

Back in January Scottish qualified New Zealander, Cole Forbes, 21, arrived at Scotstoun for a three-month trial after his fellow Bay of Plenty team mate, and Scotland cap, Hugh Blake recommended a move North.

Forbes told glasgowwarriors.org: “I was playing in the Mitre10 Cup with Hugh and he found out I had Scottish grandparents. He set the groundwork for me and went to find out if anyone would be keen to take me on. The three-month trial came up with Glasgow and things went better than I thought.”

“It was always on my mind to play in Scotland during my career, I just never thought the opportunity would come this early.”

Now in April, the utility back has settled into the city, made his Glasgow Warriors debut, signed a full-time contract with the club and is in contention for a place in Danny Wilson’s match day 23 for the brand-new Rainbow Cup competition that starts next week.

He continued: “Europe and the PRO14 is done, so we now have a chance to start afresh and finish the season well. We have a favourable run of games ahead of us and there are opportunities to win trophies.”

“Already there is an energy in the build up to those derby games against Edinburgh and I’d love to play in them.”

Forbes, who has previously represented New Zealand U20, made his club debut in February starting on the wing against Leinster, and remained in the starting line up the following weekend for Zebre, before sustaining an injury that has kept him side-lined until now.

And, despite that injury, his 100% tackle rate with substantial return of turnovers, plus a try assist – a kick ahead that opened up fly half Ross Thompson for a clear run at the line against Zebre – to his name, Forbes is pleased with his showing so far.

He said: “The first two games went well, but I was gutted to get injured.”

“It’s going to be competitive with so many boys trying to get into the 23 for the Rainbow Cup. I’d like to think that my point of difference is my work rate, my defensive impact and support lines.”

“There’s been a group of young boys who have had our first taste of league-level rugby, which has been great. The coaches have given us the confidence to go out there and back ourselves. Without the internationalists we had to make decisions and the games were a good opportunity to stand up and show what we could do.”

For Forbes it’s been a promising start to his Glasgow career and an opportunity lies ahead to kick on from his debut, put his injury behind him and work for game time in the new Rainbow Cup.

And, though life in Glasgow so far has had to consist of rugby, curb side coffee shops, park walks and supermarkets Forbes is grateful to his colleagues and the Warrior Nation for taking him under their wing.

He said: “The boys have taken me around the city, and the coaches and senior players have been really helpful in helping me understand the club structures and style of play.

And, though the first two games running out to an empty stadium was surreal I’m grateful for the fans I know were watching at home on TV. I can’t wait till we can get out there in front of a packed stadium.”