Supporters update | Al Kellock

Now that the 2022/23 season has come to an end and with Season ticket renewals going on sale next week (Thursday 1 June), Al Kellock addresses the club.

Dear Warrior Nation,

Thank you to each one of you who has supported Glasgow Warriors this season. It’s been a year of great highs, along with a few lows, yet I’m extremely grateful for you joining us on the journey.

This season our focus has been on creating a high-performance environment that produces a quality of rugby we can take pride in. We have also prioritised our vision for “making a tangible difference to our community”. We have done this by working with more charities than ever before and engaging with more children, through our community partner, SP Energy Networks, and our Clans.

Playing with pride

Whilst Friday night was not the result, we all hoped for, having had the chance to now step back and reflect, I’m pleased with the progress we’re making as a club.

Last summer, when I met Franco Smith in Italy, it was clear to see that he was going to be a Head Coach with conviction. He instantly came across as a leader who would be brave, and that shared many of the values we have at Glasgow Warriors.

Now, looking back just nine months since his arrival at Scotstoun, the foundations Franco has set are impressive. He has guided us to a top-four finish in the league, and our first-ever European final. The players have bought into the plan, going unbeaten over a run of 13 matches at Scotstoun – a new club record. He tops all that off this week by winning the BKT United Rugby Championship Coach of the Season, an accolade that is thoroughly deserved. Congratulations Franco.

Our progress has collectively been achieved, though, by the hard work and a determination of all our coaches and the support staff across the club. With that in mind, I’m pleased that our entire coaching group of Nigel Carolan, Al Dickinson, Pete Horne, and Peter Murchie remains in place for another season, ready to build upon the foundations set this year in 2023/24.

In the short period they’ve been together, the coaches have reinvigorated the fast-paced game you have come to know and love from Glasgow Warriors. Furthermore, they have helped our entire squad improve and progress in their games. This has been recognised with Jack Dempsey, Ollie Smith and Murphy Walker making their Scotland debuts in the past year. Indeed, with 17 players included in Scotland’s first Rugby World Cup camp, this is a fact that has been recognised well beyond day-to-day training at Scotstoun.

In the past 12 months, our captain, Kyle Steyn, has also been exceptional through his leadership. He drives so much of what Glasgow Warriors represents on and off the pitch with the support of his wider leadership team.

Finalising recruitment

Our squad is a settled group as we move into next season. I am pleased that club Centurions Richie Gray and Fraser Brown have committed their futures to Scotstoun, both citing the importance of the club’s family dynamic as a factor in staying. Joining them in renewals are Sebastián Cancelliere, Facundo Cordero, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Euan Ferrie, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall, Josh McKay, Sione Tuipulotu, and Alex Samuel, a great calibre of players dedicated to our club.

We also look forward to welcoming Henco Venter from the Cell C Sharks in pre-season, who I know is already excited to be a part of this club. During the summer we will finalise our recruitment and confirm our partnership contracts with the FOSROC Super Series clubs, deepening our links with those teams in our community.

Brand new fan zone

We are also constantly striving to make improvements to our match days, offering better value to our dedicated and travelling supporters alike. Improving match nights will remain a priority in 2023/24. Continuing to offer more for our fans to enjoy, and younger audience to get involved.

Progress is being made on our new Fan Zone, installing new permanent bar and food outlets. As part of this process, we are also reviewing our food and drinks choices. A higher quality offering should then be ready when the new season comes around. In the coming weeks we’ll share more about these exciting changes.

Season ticket renewals

Our Season Tickets Members wishing to renew their passes for the 2023/24 season can do so from next week (Thursday 1 June). We have worked hard on creating a pricing strategy that will retain our current season ticket base, and provide a variety of new options, including an under-12s price point, that entices new Season Ticket holders to join the club.

Given the soaring costs we are all facing in our day-to-day lives, it has been a matter of priority to make Glasgow Warriors match days accessible through this ticketing structure. You can find more information about our Season Ticket Memberships on our website: Warrior Nation | Season Tickets.

Thank you to all of you for your support, to the coaches and my colleagues at Scotstoun, for the commitment of our sponsors and partners and the dedication of our Scotstoun Squad and Supporters Group, including the XVIth Warrior and Glasgow Warriors Facebook Forum.

Stay in touch

Finally, if you wish to get in touch with the club, you can reach out directly on our social media channels, or email info@glasgowwarriors.org. I would also encourage you to speak with the Supporters Group with whom we are in regular communication.

I hope that all of you have an enjoyable summer and I look forward to welcoming you all back to Scotstoun Stadium for our pre-season game on Saturday 30 September.

Yours faithfully,

Al Kellock

Managing Director