“This was a squad effort. The boys put their hearts on their sleeve.” | Franco Smith

during the Investec Champions Cup match between Harlequins and Glasgow Warriors at the Stoop in London 05/04/24 Photo credit should read: © Craig Watson 07479748060 [email protected] www.craigwatson.co.uk

The 28-24 scoreline exemplifies how tight a game it was.

An early try scored by Scott Cummings set the game alight. Quins went on to score three tries before half-time, giving the Warriors some hard work in the second half. A try from the driving maul by top URC scorer Johnny Matthews shifted the advantage to Glasgow. Followed up by another fantastic score by Scotland scrum-half George Horne.

However, ultimately, the game was for Harlequins’ taking.

Head Coach Franco Smith expressed his pride in the Warriors for the effort and the strength of comeback from his players.

“This was a squad effort. We had a specific plan. The guys put their hearts on their sleeve.

“We fought to get back. There were a lot of penalties given against us in the first half which was disappointing. The second half was different: we ended up scoring enough points to lead the game at one point.

“The penalties in the 75^th minute unfortunately led to Harlequins scoring.

“The game allows us to learn a lot of lessons and to take that reflection into the URC. Our squad must grow in departments of the game and tonight will be a big lesson in that.”

Smith’s side showed determination and grit in both defence and attack against the English side. The Warriors refused to let a 14-point deficit put them down at half-time. Franco emphasised how the actions of his players displayed their maturity.

“It shows the maturity of the whole side. They adapt to the conditions that are thrown at them. The work that the coaches have done and the training all season have shown that we’re a fit team.

“It’s just unfortunate that we didn’t execute in some areas of the field. This game will be remembered for the moments of misused opportunities and not just the disappointment of losing.”

Whilst the Warriors’s European hopes are now on next season, the BKT United Rugby Championship title is there for the taking. Smith stated that this loss will be a reflection point for both the coaching staff and players going forward.

“There’s a lot of tight games that we need to win now in the URC. We’ve had games last season which were tight, and we didn’t convert it into a win: the quarter finals of the URC last year, the final of the EPCR.

“Our effort will be to make sure we study these games and make sure that we give our boys good preparation and feedback before these games.”

Franco also thanked the unwavering support of all our fans, especially those who travel great distances to support the club on away days.

“I want to thank the Warrior Nation. It was fantastic to walk from the hotel to the stadium and to see all of our fans. I know they do a lot of travelling to come and support us.

“We are as disappointed as they are with the result. But we know that they’ll stand behind us now and for our next challenge and our next step as a club since I’ve joined the team at Scotstoun.”