Horne praises highlands experience

• 2 Sep 2022

It might have been far from the perfect display to open the 2022/23 pre-season, but victory over Ayrshire Bulls was the best way to end Glasgow Warriors’ adventure in the Highlands according to George Horne.

The scrum-half was one of four try-scorers as the Warriors earned a 22-17 victory over the Bulls at the Caledonian Stadium, as over 3,000 supporters enjoyed an entertaining evening in Inverness.

“It was great to get a run-out,” Horne told glasgowwarriors.org.

“We were probably a little bit rusty in places, but I thought the Bulls were absolutely outstanding tonight.

“We’ve got a fair bit to work on, but we’ll have a good review on Monday, put in the work next week and get ready to get stuck into Ulster next weekend.”

Horne was keen to pay credit to the Millbrae squad, who stepped in at the 11th hour to help the Warriors fulfil the fixture following the withdrawal of Worcester Warriors on Wednesday afternoon.

The reigning FOSROC Super6 champions provided a stern test for Franco Smith’s men, refusing to give an inch to their professional opponents.

“I know the whole squad, from players to backroom staff, are all massively grateful to the Bulls,” said Horne.

“It’s so valuable to us getting a hit out against live opposition, and for them to come up here, really front up and show up so well is a massive credit to them.

“Getting that game time under our belts is going to be massively beneficial to us going forward, and we wish the Bulls all the best going forward.”

The fixture capped off Glasgow’s mini-tour of the Highlands as pre-season preparations continue, with Smith’s squad having been out and about in the local community since travelling north earlier this week.

It’s been an experience that Horne and company have thoroughly enjoyed, and one throughout which the squad has been made to feel right at home.

“It’s been really good to get up north, honestly,” said the Scotland international.

“It’s not somewhere we get to go that often, and everyone we’ve met this week has been absolutely brilliant with us.

“The people up here are massively knowledgeable about their rugby and the crowd tonight were superb. We’ve had a great week, so thank you to Highland and to Inverness Caledonian Thistle for having us.”

A return to the club’s permanent home now awaits on Friday night, as Horne and his fellow Warriors welcome Ulster to Scotstoun for The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Challenge.

With a first run-out at home for five months now tantalisingly close, the onus is on Smith’s men to tune up over the course of the next few days.

“We can’t wait,” said Horne.

“Scotstoun is such a special place and the fans make it a brilliant place to play.

“Friday nights at Scotstoun are even more special, and we can’t wait to get out there and give the fans something to be proud of.”