“It’s still the same good group of boys, just a little older!” – Bryce
It’s been an impressive return to Glasgow colours for Glenn Bryce.
The Alloa boy first broke out with the Warriors between 2014
and 2016, making 19 appearances for the club and contributed to the 2015
Guinness PRO12 title run.
After a spell with Edinburgh preceded a successful stint
with Scotland 7s, Bryce returned to the 15-a-side game and Scotstoun in the
summer of 2019.
“The transition back to 15s was a bit easier for me with the
experience I have had being at both Glasgow and Edinburgh,” laughed Bryce.
“With sevens, it’s intense running for short bursts – you’re
flat out for seven minutes straight. With 15s, I felt it was more mentally
challenging as I had to maintain my concentration for 80 minutes. There’s a lot
more kicking in the 15 a side game, too, and I was conscious that I needed to
get my timing right.”
Bryce’s season debut came in a pre-season matchup with
Ulster, and although the full-back’s cameo was brief he felt at home being back
with the Warriors. Little time on ball
“It was a good feeling putting the jersey back on,” smiled
the 28-year-old.
“I do love playing for Glasgow so it was quite a cool
moment.
“Glasgow’s always been a family orientated club, and it’s still
the same good group of boys – just a little older.”
After being side-lined for nine weeks with a knee injury,
the full-back returned to the starting XV in January to take on Exeter Chiefs
at Scotstoun in Heineken Champions Cup. Despite the match being billed as
opposite number Stuart Hogg’s first game back to Scotstoun, the occasion didn’t
seem to faze the 28 year old.
“The Exeter game was a big one for me. I was pretty pumped
going into the matchup and it’s probably the biggest game I’ve ever played in”,
mused Bryce.
“It was good to get back involved in big matches. I trained
really well that week, and said to myself play like you’re never going to play
for Glasgow again.
“I enjoyed it – I wasn’t over-nervous, I was just really
keen to do well and help the team in a must win game.”
Strong performances from the back rewarded Bryce with four
consecutive starts, including another Heineken Champions Cup outing against
Sale Sharks the following week. Despite the slow beginning to the season, the
full-back believes momentum was on the Warriors side.
“Whatever you see in the league table that can change,” said
Bryce.
“We didn’t start the season how we would have liked, so it
is crucial for us to focus on each game and see it as a must win.”
Whilst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen a global
suspension of the game for the time being, Bryce is confident rugby will
return. Like his team-mates the full-back is hoping for a swift return to
action, yet he knows that good things come to those who wait.
“The boys just want to get out there and play some rugby –
any opportunity to get back on the field!” laughed Bryce.
“We know that everyone’s safety is paramount, though, and we
look forward to seeing everyone back at Scotstoun soon.”