Don't write off Glasgow Warriors - Franco Smith responds to URC title challenge question
Scotstoun outfit travel to Munster for 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season opener
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith believes that what his teams have been able to achieve during his time at Scotstoun proves why you should never discount them as URC title contenders.
The South African has had to deal with several high profile departures this summer, including Scotland internationals Huw Jones and Jack Dempsey, without the budget to replace them like-for-like. They have been able to bring in flanker Jamie Ritchie and a few other new faces but will have to rely on their recent academy graduates to provide more strength in depth this season.
That has led to many pundits and commentators speculating that Warriors are unlikely to be able to replicate the heights they reached last season, topping the league table before a devastating loss to the Bulls in the semi-finals. However, when asked if they could win the championship at the end of this campaign, Smith pointed to what Glasgow have been able to achieve in the past while being similarly unfancied.
‘Always the mission’ - Glasgow Warriors targeting URC title challenge despite loss of high profile players this summer
“Did we win it in the second season?” responded Smith. “Nobody thought at the start of that season that we would win it either.
“Nobody thought we'd play in the final of the Challenge Cup. Nobody thought that we'd be at the top of the log last year after we lost the two games in South Africa.
“We played so well that we topped all the stats in year three and unfortunately lost against Leinster twice in both competitions. Of course we're going to try, that's always the mission.
“It's hard to answer the question, but I think everybody knows that we're determined to be the best version of ourselves. We know what we need to do and that's what we focus on, not on the outcome at the moment.”
Glasgow’s 2026/27 URC season kicks off with a trip to Thomond Park to face Munster on Saturday. It’s a particularly challenging start for last season’s beaten semi-finalists but one that Smith is excited for.
He said: “A lot of the boys played really well in the summer after the disappointing final game loss, so I think there's a lot of energy and excitement and motivation to get the show on the road again. There's just one way to use it and that's as motivation.
“There's not one easy game in this competition. It's year five or year six of the URC and teams and expectations and sponsorships and strategy and tactics will always change for the better, so we are not oblivious of the fact that all teams would like to be at the top of the table.
“We've been there and we'll have a target on our back, I've got no doubt about that. So we know what's coming, but for now we focus on getting our process going, focus on playing one minute at a time and make the most of our time in the competition.”
Smith has named a strong team for the match in Limerick but will be without a few key players. Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is still observing rest protocols while fellow international stars Kyle Steyn and Zander Fagerson may not return until their Champions Cup opener against Sale Sharks on October 17.
New arrival Jamie Ritchie is also expected to make his debut around that time but it’s bad news for lock Alex Samuel who will be out till December at least. On a brighter note, Saturday’s match will mark Jamie Dobie’s 100th appearance for the club and his head coach had some stellar praise for the 25-year-old.
‘A true warrior’ - Franco Smith praises Jamie Dobie ahead of 100th Glasgow appearance this weekend
“He is an impressive person and an impressive man,” said Smith. “He is actually a true warrior from a physical perspective. He meets all the criteria here from a physical development point of view. I am super proud to know that he played his first game as a 19 year old down in Bloemfontein when we were both there, so for him to play his 100th game now is brilliant.
“He is still young to play 100 games and he has been injured quite a bit. If he was fit for more of last season, he would probably already have passed it. We all hoped he would play his 100th game in the final last year but it didn't work out that way. But I’m glad now he will get the opportunity tomorrow. He is a fantastic player, an excellent person to have in the team. It doesn't matter what number he has on his back, he is always contributing.
“He is very positive in training, he has a big influence in the club and he is a very good example for the young players coming through, having walked the development pathway in a Glasgow Warriors jersey so he's a nice reference point for the young players.”
The match against Munster will also be a big occasion for prop Murphy Walker who plays his first competitive match since February, starting at tight-head. The Scotland international’s career has been plagued by injury but a new season brings new opportunities.
“That enthusiasm hasn't gone,” added Smith. “He is training well again. He was unfortunate with injuries, even though that is part of the game, but he has stuck to task.
“Murphy’s willingness to fight disappointment and keep on working hard, away from the team, is something that stands out. The most important ingredient now is for him to play well, enjoy what is happening, not putting any expectation on his current position.
“We would like to see him get a bit of continuity. For now, that should be the objective for him - to stay fit, learn to recover and have the ability to play consecutive weeks. Then maybe there is another discussion.”
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