Wilson backing Warriors to make Glasgow proud

He was part of the history-making squad that lifted the club's first-ever trophy in 2015 - now Ryan Wilson is backing Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors to turn in a performance to make the city proud this evening.

Part of the Premier Sports team covering the match from Pretoria this afternoon, the former Glasgow captain and veteran of 222 appearances for his one and only professional outfit is already buzzing for the big occasion at Loftus Versfeld.

“I’d say to the boys – you don’t get many opportunities like this,” said Wilson.

“You’ve got to take it with both hands. This is it, let’s go and take it.

“When we won the trophy in 2015, we had lost a final the year before. We built up all season and then you get to the pinnacle and lose it, it’s very tough to take. This team have had the same experience last year in the Challenge Cup Final when they didn’t win. They will take from that.

“Franco has made such big strides with the team already that now people are saying this is a team that can win silverware and with the players they’ve got and that attacking back line, I think they can.”

⚔️ @ryanwilson89 caught up with @GlasgowWarriors captain Kyle Steyn before tomorrow’s URC Grand Final against the Vodacom Bulls

🗣️ “Just a crazy journey for this group as a whole.” pic.twitter.com/5zEtb85qEi

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 21, 2024

The former back-rower also knows first-hand what the club means to the city of Glasgow, having enjoyed his fair share of memorable moments with the Warrior Nation.

With thousands set to be cheering on their team from the rugby clubs and fan zones set up across Glasgow and the rest of Scotland, Wilson is in no doubt that the Warriors will need no extra motivation ahead of this evening’s showdown.

“It will certainly give the City of Glasgow a big boost, and you know the fans back in Glasgow will be cheering the team on,” he said.

“Glasgow Warriors are really flying the flag for Scottish Rugby at the moment, I think people are looking to Glasgow to do the job for Scottish Rugby.

“Either way there will be a big party, if they win that trophy – there will be incredible scenes. Glasgow will be bouncing – I know the fans that have been there all season, supporting the brand of rugby they have played.

“The boys talk about it in meetings they want to represent the city, they want the fans to see a piece of them in the way they represent the club, with the fight and spirit they put into every single match and pour into that jersey. I know it is going to mean a lot to Glasgow Warriors fans.

“I hope they can replicate what we did in 2015 and go on and win the Final.”