Glasgow Warriors centurion looks back at his own Hampden outing

As Glasgow Warriors prepare for their 1872 Cup derby with Edinburgh Rugby at Hampden on Sunday 22 December, let’s look backs at the rugby memories from the national football stadium, in years gone by.

This week, glasgowwarriors.org speaks to Glasgow Warrior Centurion and Warrior #64, Donnie McFadyen.

Donnie’s rugby journey took him to Hampden when he started in the back-row for Scotland, wearing the number seven jersey, against Australia on Saturday 20 November 2004. This was the fourth time Scotland had played the 2003 World Cup finalists in as many months that year.

Donnie carries on the story: “It’s been a shock, the realisation that the Australia game at Hampden was 20 years ago. When I got the call, I instantly remembered the changing rooms and how tiny they felt – it was clear they were designed for a starting team of 11, and that rugby players take up more space than footballers. It’s funny how that sticks out, but these are the things players notice.

“It was a real honour to play at Hampden, the home of Scottish football. Of course, playing at Murrayfield was a big deal, but this was different, and I really appreciated the opportunity.

Playing on football pitches

“During my career I also enjoyed playing on football pitches generally. I liked to play a fast game, and football pitches were often harder and faster, at least that was my perception, so it suited my style of play.

“Thinking about the game itself, I had won my first cap in 2002, but hadn’t been picked regularly, then it was just before Hampden that I was breaking back in and starting regularly for Scotland.

“That season we had played Australia twice, over there and then they travelled to play us twice. The vintage of that team was incredible too. I mean the likes of Stephen Larkham, Loti Tuqiri, and George Gregan. They were such a strong squad.

“Though we didn’t win, all in all I enjoyed the chance to play at Hampden.”

Donnie returned to Glasgow Warriors to deliver the match ball in September 2015

The 1872 rivalry

During his playing career Donnie played 131 times for Glasgow Warriors, and played in his share of derby matches with Edinburgh.

He continued: “The derby games with Edinburgh are different to any other matches. You are playing against guys you’ve just been in Scotland with during the autumn, and you’ve shifted back and forward between club and country, then you’re going up against each other for silverware.

“The competition was always big, and the rivalry a big deal. Back then, and I’m sure even now, these games are like Scotland trials, so they have a different edge to them. It’s about showing what you can do before the Six Nations.

“I have no doubt we’re in for a great game – I mean, Glasgow Warriors, the way they are playing now, when there’s Six Nations and a Lions selection at stake, it’s going to be a special game at Hampden in December!”

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From Top of the Moon

Donnie is one of my all-time favourite players!

- - Warrior #64
  - 132 appearances
  - 113 outings in the number 7 jersey – only John Barclay (126) has played more in that shirt for Glasgow

He was just the seventh player to become a Warrior Centurion.

At the time he was the youngest to reach 100 appearances. He was overtaken a few years later but would still be one of just six players to play 100 times for Glasgow before their 25th birthday.

Until 2023, Donnie and Gordon Simpson were the only forwards to score 20 or more tries for Glasgow (Donnie – 20, Gordon – 24). Since 2023 we have added Fraser Brown (25), Johnny Matthews (43) and Matt Fagerson (22) to that list.

In 2004/05 he was the second Glasgow forward to score tries in three consecutive fixtures (Dragons home, Ospreys away, Munster home) after Simpson in 1999/2000. It was another 17 years before another Warriors’ forward managed that (Jack Dempsey in 2021/22).

When he was fit, he was one of the first names on the team sheet. Started 33 out of 35 games between September 2003 and October 2004.