Shortlist named for McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for January

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 19: Warriors huddle during an Investec Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and RC Toulon at Scotstoun Stadium, on January 19, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Only a last-minute TMO intervention would deny the Warriors a famous victory away to Exeter Chiefs in their opening match of the year, Euan Ferrie’s score chalked off with the clock in the red at Sandy Park.

Franco Smith’s squad bounced back in the perfect fashion just a week later, however, running in five tries to claim a 29-5 win over Toulon under the Friday night lights at Scotstoun, setting up an April date with Harlequins in the knockout stages.

Supporters can vote for their winner until 5pm on Friday 2 February over on the club’s official Twitter channel.

The nominees are:

Zander Fagerson

For the third month in succession, tight-head Fagerson is nominated for the club’s monthly award, once again showing his qualities as one of the northern hemisphere’s premier props.

The Scotland star played the full 80 minutes at Sandy Park, helping his side to gain an upper hand at the coal face and putting on the pressure that culminated in Ferrie’s dramatic late effort.

He then made a significant impact off the bench in the victory over Toulon six days later, his carrying ability seeing him beat three defenders with ball in hand during his last-quarter cameo.

Max Williamson

Nominated for the first time in his professional career, second-rower Williamson was in the thick of the action across the month of January.

The Stirling County product was busy across the park after being introduced from the bench in Devon, his work rate in the loose and composure at the set-piece making life difficult for the opposition.

Williamson then made his first start in Glasgow colours in front of the Warrior Nation, putting in a full 80-minute performance in the engine room alongside Scott Cummings.

Kyle Rowe

Flying winger Rowe continued to make himself a fan favourite amongst the Warrior Nation in January, touching down for three tries in two appearances in Europe’s premier club competition.

The former Scotland 7s standout’s persistence in attack was rewarded with Glasgow’s first score of the afternoon against Exeter, capitalising on a bouncing ball to run in unopposed from 35 metres.

He then showed his instinctive finishing a week later at Scotstoun, finishing off two team moves to cross for a brace in the win over Toulon.

Josh McKay

Nominated in back-to-back months by the club’s coaching team, McKay continues to provide a sharp threat and a safe pair of hands at full-back.

The former Highlander was a fingertip away from combining with Rowe for a try at Sandy Park, whilst only the TMO could deny him a sensational solo effort at Scotstoun, running in from his own 10-metre line and beating multiple Toulon defenders en route.

A try did eventually come McKay’s way in the victory over the French outfit, whilst the full-back’s tally of 392 metres made is more than any other player in the Investec Champions Cup to date.

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