Hiddleston eager to keep developing

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Warriors' Gregor Hiddleston with a fan at full time during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 17, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The 22-year-old made his fourth appearance of the campaign in Friday night’s comeback victory over Cardiff at Scotstoun, helping his side navigate the tricky conditions to keep pace at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

“You saw in the first half on Friday how serious the conditions were, it definitely wasn’t the nicest of nights!” Hiddleston told glasgowwarriors.org.

“The boys executed the game plan well though, and I thought our lineout was strong despite the conditions. There’s a lot to work on but we’re working hard in training and ready to get back out there on Saturday.”

Hiddleston was also pleased to see another of the club’s young guns grab the headlines under the Friday night lights, with his former Scotland U20 team-mate Max Williamson crashing over for his first professional try just moments after half-time.

“I was buzzing for him!” smiled the hooker.

“Max’s try was a big moment for us, coming just after half-time and getting us a foothold in the game that allowed us to kick on.

“I’m chuffed to see how well he’s gone this season, he’s worked really hard and he took his chance superbly.”

Already a memorable campaign for Hiddleston, 2023/24 has the potential to become even more of a landmark season for the former Dumfries Saint.

Having stood out for Stirling Wolves during their FOSROC Super Series title-winning run before making his Glasgow Warriors debut away to Exeter Chiefs in January, the hooker and his fellow Warriors remain in the hunt for silverware on two fronts heading into the business end of the season.

For Hiddleston, though, development remains at the forefront of his mind, as Saturday’s clash with the Scarlets in Llanelli approaches.

“This season has been great so far,” he said.

“I’m just focused on taking every opportunity that comes my way – any game time is really valuable for me right now and I’m just happy I’ve been able to pull on the shirt, go out there and do my bit for the team.

“Having such a great group of hookers here is massive, too. You’ve got the experience of Johnny [Matthews] and George [Turner] – and Fras [Fraser Brown], too, even though he’s been injured – to learn from, which has been brilliant for myself and Gus [Fraser]. We’re all driving each other on and it’s a really good group of boys to be a part of right now.

“Going away to Scarlets is always a tough trip – any away match in this competition is difficult, especially at this point in the season where every point matters.

“We’ve had a big training week so far and everyone’s raring to go, so we’ll be ready to rip in on Saturday no matter who gets the nod.”