Glasgow Warriors collect Sports awards for league win

Glasgow Warriors will hope to keep this week's winning streak alive on Saturday when Sale Sharks arrive at Scotstoun Stadium for the first round of the Investec Champions Cup.

The club returns to match-action this weekend having won two awards for their 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship league win.

First, head coach Franco Smith, was named the Glasgow Coach of the Year. Smith received this award at the Glasgow Sports Awards, hosted by the Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren.

At the Scottish Sports Awards, hosted by sportscotland and Commonwealth Games Scotland, the club won Moment of the Year. This award recognised the magnitude of the victory in South Africa, on Saturday 22 June. Also, the manner in which the team won the match, and their run to the final.

Glasgow Warriors beat the league’s two previous Champions in the play-offs, including a 17-10 victory against the defending champions, Munster, on their home patch in the semi-final.

In the public vote, they were up against Bob McIntyre’s Scottish Open victory at the Renaissance Club back in July; and 19-year-old Ben Sandilands’ gold medal win in the T20 1500m Paralympic running event at Paris 2024.

The club were also nominated for the Team of the Year at the event held at the Glasgow Science Centre. The winner however was, Scotland Women’s Cricket who qualified for the T20 World Cup for the very first time in 2024.

Glasgow Coach of the Year

Collecting his award at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Monday (3 December) Franco Smith said: “I am honoured to receive this award from the city, and to be recognised for our league-win this year. This award is not only about me though. I must give a special mention to my fellow coaches, Nigel Carolan and Peter Murchie particularly. Also, to the rest of our performance team. Our success was achieved collectively, and it was pleasure working with this group.

“Together, we are focussed on the new season. Putting in place actions to re-conquer the BKT United Rugby Championship and to compete well in Europe.

“Thank you to the Lord Provost, Glasgow Life, and the Warrior Nation for this recognition.”

Scottish Sports Moment of the Year

After picking up the award for Moment of the Year (on Wednesday 4 December), captain Kyle Steyn, said: “It has been some year for sport in Scotland, with Bob [McIntyre] claiming his PGA and Scottish Open wins, and all the incredible achievements from Olympians and Paralympians at Paris 2024. For the Scottish public to vote for our league-win amongst so many other worthy winners is an honour.

“As a club we are always striving to be the very best we can be on the pitch. We also want to be caring and generous citizens off it, in our community. It is my hope that the profile we have received from our successes in 2024 showcases the hard work and determination that drives us.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for us!”

Investec Champions Cup returns 💫

Secure the last remaining seats at Scotstoun for our massive European clash against Sale Sharks on Saturday 7 December, kick-off 8pm 👉 https://t.co/ZPLripEH5o pic.twitter.com/OrES8PX4XR

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) November 30, 2024