McDowall relishing competition for places

The
21-year-old caught the eye of the Scotland selectors following a series of
impressive performances in the Warriors’ midfield, touching down twice in 12
appearances last term as part of a scintillating Glasgow back division.

Having also
helped Ayr to a league and cup double, McDowall now has his sights set on
staking his claim to a regular place in the starting lineup.

“There’s
potentially a bit more of an opportunity to get some game time at the start of
the season, with our international boys being away,” he told
glasgowwarriors.org.

“Hopefully
I’ll get a few minutes in our opening few games, but I’m not looking too far
ahead right now.”

McDowall’s
focus is currently on getting into peak physical condition ahead of the new
campaign, with Dave Rennie and his coaching staff putting the squad through
their paces both at Scotstoun and further afield. A pre-season camp in Aberdeen
has been the latest landmark in a busy off-season, yet the Dumfries native
still found time to enjoy some well-earned downtime following last season’s
exploits.

“I went to
Krakow for four days and then had a bit of time chilling out at home, which was
good,” said McDowall.

“I also got
away to Greece for a week right at the end of our break, so it’s been a good
bit of time off.”

The centre
will, like his team-mates, be looking to be amongst those selected for the
upcoming pre-season fixtures at home and away to Ulster as the Warriors
continue to tune up ahead of the new Guinness PRO14 campaign. A host of new
faces have arrived at Scotstoun over the course of the summer to date, yet
McDowall is welcoming the looming selection battle.

“There’s a
lot of competition for places in the squad at the moment,” he admitted.

“A lot of
boys are putting their hands up – the academy boys and the guys from the 7s
squad have brought a lot of energy and we’re all constantly pushing each other
forward.”

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