Ferrie ready to hit the ground running in 2023/24

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Ryan Burke during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium, on September 11, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Just ask Euan Ferrie; a dynamic display off the bench against Ayrshire Bulls in Inverness last September saw the former Scotland U20 standout cement himself in the Glasgow Warriors senior setup, going on to make his professional debut against Benetton just two months on from that outing in the Highlands.

Fast forward 12 months, and the man from East Kilbride is now fully settled in to life as a professional, having put pen to paper on a first senior contract with the Warriors earlier this year.

“It definitely does feel different, because I’m a pro player now instead of on an academy contract,” Ferrie told glasgowwarriors.org, as his second full pre-season at Scotstoun continues.

“I feel like I’m more comfortable in the setup and more involved as a result of that, and I’m definitely more accustomed to the speed and intensity of the training than I was this time last year.

“It’s hard, but pre-season is always hard! With the long break that we had you always knew that, no matter how much work you did independently over the summer, the first couple of weeks back were going to be tough.

“The boys have all responded really well though. Compared to last year, we’re way ahead of where we were at the same time last summer, and it’s an exciting group to be a part of.”

Having made nine appearances during his debut season as a Glasgow Warrior, it’s safe to say that Ferrie has taken to the professional arena like the proverbial duck to water.

The 22-year-old – comfortable in either the second-row or back-row – is enjoying getting stuck into pre-season once more with Franco Smith’s squad, as part of a settled squad preparing for The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly against Zebre Parma later this month.

“I’m definitely more confident in speaking up and telling boys what we need to do, or what needs to be improved than I was this time last year,” said Ferrie.

“I’d say it’s the same for everyone, there’s a really positive environment that allows everyone to keep each other accountable. That’s only going to be a good thing in the long run.

“It’s mostly the same group that we had come in here last year, albeit with the international boys away right now. That definitely helps everyone feel a bit more comfortable with each other, as you know how everyone operates and responds.”

With the Warriors looking to improve on a memorable 2022/23 campaign, there’s a palpable hunger amongst the playing group as the new season fast approaches.

For Ferrie, though, the goal remains a simple one.

“I just want to play as much rugby as possible,” he said.

“If I can get as many minutes under my belt as possible and help this team go as far as we can go, then I’ll be happy.”