Grigg eager for Ulster challenge

The 26-year-old
linked back up with his club-mates following his release from the wider
Scotland training squad, with his focus now fully on next weekend’s trip to the
Kingspan Stadium.

“It’s been a
long pre-season for me, so I’m really keen to get back out there,” said Grigg.

“It’s good
to catch up with all the familiar faces again – it feels like I’m back home
again.

“There are
also so many new faces! Everyone’s playing for their shirt, and a few boys have
really put their hand up in training. Ultimately it’ll be the performances in the
two Ulster games that’ll influence who gets the nod for the first spell of the
season.”

Having made
his debut off the bench against Leinster in March 2016, the New Zealand-born
midfielder has made quite the impression at Scotstoun during the past three
years. With nine caps for Scotland under his belt since his Warriors debut, Grigg
is also quick to stress the impact the club has made on his game.

“It’s a big
difference to where I was roundabout the last Rugby World Cup,” laughed Grigg.

“Back then I
was playing club rugby back in New Zealand [for Petone] and it was more about
throwing the ball around and generally just having fun.

“I’ve knuckled
down a lot since coming here – I’ve improved my skills and my work rate around
the park. It’s been awesome.”

Grigg and
his fellow Warriors will be continuing to knuckle down as the intensity of
Glasgow’s preparations builds ahead of the trip to Belfast in eight days’ time.
Whilst the long-term goal for Dave Rennie’s side will be to go one step further
than last year’s Guinness PRO14 performance, the focus is squarely on opening
pre-season in the best possible style.

“The first
step for us is making sure we’re in form and hit the ground running,” said
Grigg.

“It’s going
to be a big challenge for us, to have so many boys away for the first part of
the season.

“We’ve got
to make sure we put in the performances whilst they’re away, and that starts against
Ulster next weekend.”

Click here to secure your tickets for The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Challenge against Ulster on Saturday 14 September.