Duncan Weir: The Glasgwegian kid who has come full circle

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 22: Warriors’ Duncan Weir, Sean Kennedy and Nathan MacBeth runs out ahead of kick off during a BKT URC match between Glasgow Warriors and Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 22, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

As part of Kids Round in the URC, clubs are highlighting the stories of children: from supporters, to future players and rugby pundits. But we’re also highlighting the journeys of our own players. Duncan Weir being one of them.

The Love of Kicking

From an early age, Duncan was obsessed with kicking and idolised two of the greatest to ever do it on a rugby pitch.

“I was absolutely obsessed with kicking and kicking at goal. I loved Johnny Wilkinson and Dan Carter growing up,” Weir said.

“The way they kicked the ball, it looked like it was on a piece of string for them. I was kind of obsessed with them.

“Later down the track, it was pretty cool playing against those two guys.

“It was quite surreal, I spent more time watching them in the warm-up than concentrating on myself!”

Growing up in Glasgow

Born and raised in Glasgow, Duncan worked his way up through the ranks before breaking into the professional game at just 19 following the departure of Dan Parks.

Prior to joining the club on a professional contract, Duncan recalled early moments of coming to the Warriors.

“I remember being a little mini playing during the half-time entertainment at the Warriors games.

“From there, I got a little snippet at U16 representing the Glasgow district. I was just so focused then to give rugby my full attention and give myself the best chance to go pro.

“I was really lucky that Dan Parks moved on when he did and it left an opportunity for me to come in at the club. I managed to come in at 19 and hit the ground running.

“You probably don’t see that so much now with the bigger academy infrastructure in clubs, but I was really fortunate that window of opportunity came and I managed to grasp it.”

Playing for Glasgow at 19-years-old

“It was a surreal experience playing for Glasgow after being a fan for so long and going to games and watching.

“From a kid playing at half-time, then going up the age grade ranks, it’s a pretty special feeling.

“That burden maybe weighed me down at times, as you can probably imagine, but it also gives you so much inspiration, and it’s a special feeling as well.”

Having joined the Warriors at such a young age, Duncan was on a constant learning journey.

“When I first came in, I was kind of naïve to a lot of things. I just went out and played the game. I wanted to make sure I had done myself proud but I also had a wee chip on my shoulder because I wanted to ‘earn my stripes’. I wanted to make sure you I could make the cut at that level.

“Once you’re established then you kind of lose that but it’s now come full circle and I’ve kind of tapped into that after being at Worcester. You kind of feel like you have to get that respect back from the Glaswegians again.

“It’s a big burden that you put on yourself but it’s one that you cherish.”

The 32-year-old has plenty miles still left in the tank before he eventually calls it a day. Duncan has life advice for the 19-year-old that first joined the Warriors.

“Cherish the journey,” he said.

“It might sound like something that’s a bit strange but I had a pretty good mentality when I was young – I wanted to make it so bad, doing everything I can.

“Cherish the highs a little bit more and the achievements. I was more focused on what’s next.

“Just really enjoy the journey while having the right mentality and the drive to succeed.

“Make sure you check it back in and enjoy the good days because they’re the ones you work so hard for. Make sure you savour those ones.”