Matt Fagerson “massively proud” after Cardiff victory

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Warriors Matt Fagerson and Richie Gray run out during a United Rugby Championship fixture between Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Rugby at Scotstoun, on September 23, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

From the ear-to-ear beam on George Horne’s face as he walked back into the changing rooms, to the controlled smile worn by Fraser Brown, a 52-24 victory over Cardiff was more than enough to lift the spirits of everyone sporting Glasgow Warriors colours last night.

Matt Fagerson was no exception, with the back-row smiling as he reflected on a job well done in the club’s BKT United Rugby Championship home opener.

“I’m massively proud of the boys, especially because of how we responded to last week,” the back-rower told glasgowwarriors.org.

“We wanted to go out there and show the shifts we’ve made in our game, and while we know we’re by no means the finished article just yet, we did exactly that.

“The biggest shift we’ve made is really focusing in on working hard for each other. Some guys were putting in great shots, but a lot of the time they were being backed up by other boys as well. That’s a massive part of our game and the boys did incredibly well.

““It’s a great standard to set in round two and it’s a great way to thank the Warrior Nation for their support, not just tonight but throughout the last few months.”

Fagerson was just one of a number of Warriors to shine under the Friday night lights, as seven different try-scorers combined for eight tries in the club’s first home match for nearly six months.

Scrum-half Horne walked away with Player of the Match honours, whilst a barnstorming display from Jack Dempsey had the Scotstoun faithful roaring their approval throughout.

“George is a livewire – everyone knows that by now, but he was sensational out there,” said Fagerson.

“He took it up a level and even when he went out onto the wing, he just brings a constant level of chat and a high level of energy to everything.

“Jack was incredible. Everyone knows what he can do, but what they probably don’t realise is that he’s his own worst critic and he puts in the hours day in, day out.

“I absolutely love playing with him. He’s a top quality player and top quality man, and it is so much fun to be able to go out there with him when he’s in form like that.”

Fagerson was also joined on the scoresheet by a familiar face, as older brother and tight-head Zander followed him across the whitewash.

The back-rower revealed that the match held a special poignancy for both brothers, paying tribute to their late grandfather.

“We both actually came straight to the game from our grandfather’s funeral today,” said Fagerson.

“We drove back straight to Scotstoun, and we talked in the car about putting in a big performance in his memory.

“He was always one of our biggest fans and it’s incredibly special for both of us to get over the line and do that for him.”

The Ospreys will provide the next test for Fagerson and company as the BKT URC continues to gather pace, as a visit to Swansea awaits the Warriors next Saturday.

Despite the half-century of points, it’s a visit that the Scotland international knows will require another high-calibre performance.

“We know there are still things to work on – we let in a few soft scores and we need to tighten up around the edges,” said Fagerson.

“If we can back up the physicality and energy we displayed out there, though, we’ll be in a really good place heading to Swansea next weekend.”