Duncan relishing pre-season graft

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 07: Macenzzie Duncan during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium, on August 07, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Fast forward twelve months, and the tough-tackling back-rower has burnished his reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in Scottish rugby after a barnstorming end to the 2024/25 campaign.

A professional debut off the bench away to the Dragons was followed by a brace of eye-catching displays for Glasgow Warriors A against Benetton and Black Lion, earning Duncan a first senior start in the club’s final match of the regular season and a place on the bench for both of Glasgow’s BKT United Rugby Championship playoff encounters.

The 22-year-old is refusing to get carried away, though, instead focusing on taking the next step in 2025/26.

“It’s been such an enjoyable year,” Duncan reflected as he spoke to glasgowwarriors.org.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot from the coaches and from the rest of the boys here – there’s been a lot of graft put in, and it’s definitely been paying off.”

Any hopes of being eased into pre-season training have swiftly been dispelled thanks to a gruelling start to block one, yet it’s an environment for which Duncan and company have been well prepared – even during their well-earned downtime.

“I managed to get away on holiday for a bit, but I was definitely making sure I was keeping on top of everything ready to come back in and hit the ground running,” he said.

“Even then, though, the body’s definitely a bit tired after the first few days of pre-season! The lungs aren’t too bad, but the coaches and S&C team have been testing our mental side so far, that’s for sure. It’s been good to come back in and crack on with it together.”

With those that toured with Scotland – in addition to the British & Irish Lions – during the summer to be gradually re-integrated into the Scotstoun environment over the coming weeks, it’s a youthful group that are putting in the hard yards in the early phase of pre-season for Franco Smith’s squad.

It’s a mix that Duncan is relishing, as the build-up to the start of the new campaign begins in earnest.

“It’s a good vibe in the group,” said the back-rower.

“Everyone’s bringing a lot of energy, pushing each other on, and making sure we all drive each other’s standards.

“We’ve got a good group of bodies in the building right now, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the rest of our boys back from the summer tours for Scotland and the Lions over the next few weeks.”