Why Glasgow Warriors' ambitions haven't dropped as Franco Smith puts faith in new generation

Despite losing more than their fair share of experienced pros over the summer, expectations at Scotstoun have not dropped. Franco Smith’s side are still being tipped to push for URC glory and Champions Cup progress from pundits and large sections of their support.

In order to do that this time around, they are going to have to rely on a new generation of talent to make the step up when called upon. The six Scotland internationalists who either left Scotstoun this summer or retired combine for over 200 caps.

“That will stay our mission” - Franco Smith aiming to continue Warriors’ progression despite losing key players

The arrival of Scotland back-rower Jamie Ritchie certainly offsets a bit of that, but it will be the likes of Dylan Cockburn and Johnny Ventisei that are called upon to provide squad depth after the departures of Jack Dempsey and Huw Jones.

“I think that is the thing,” said head coach Smith. “Our average age this season has gone down but the expectations have risen. It's a unique situation to be in, a compliment to the rugby programme though. The fact that we keep bringing younger boys through is a compliment but we also want to perform at the top end and that will stay the mission.

“You must continue bringing through the new generation. It's a challenge because a lot of Scottish players are playing in these two franchises [Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby].

“You can't always work in the World Cup cycle. I was the first-hand receiver in Italy of a depleted squad after 2019. No progression, no new generation. That was always part of what I was doing here at Scotstoun, [preparing] the next generation so that the game doesn't die with one group of players.”

Smith also addressed the situation with the number 10s at Scotstoun this season. Warriors have lost Adam Hastings to French Top 14 side Montpellier and haven’t brought in a specialised fly-half to replace him.

Dan Lancaster will start the season as first choice in the jersey while new signing Bayley Kuenzle and utility backs Charlie Savala and Ollie Smith can play in the role if required. That then leaves 21-year-old Matthew Urwin in a spot where he could find himself leading the attack of a URC title chasing back-line.

It’s something that Smith has no concerns over, saying: “I've got a lot of confidence in the people that we've got. Dan Lancaster has proven that he's progressing and has grown. Matty is in an environment where he's a young ten that can grow. Glasgow is his home where he's going to need to find that growth. Charlie was unfortunate with injury, Ollie Smith is somebody that can play there. It depends on what type of ten you want and what is perceived as a ten.

“I'm seeing the rugby differently. The type of player that you use is going to change, we're not wearing knitted jerseys and we're not playing with leather balls. There are also different approaches towards rugby and the way you play. On the other hand, you must make the best of the players that you've got.

“If you look at what the clubs in Europe are currently spending on teams, it's a lot of money. We're way off it, I don't think even Pro D2 clubs have the budget we have. We must do the best with what we have. We've proven that good coaching in a good environment and good people can beat the budget and I have 100% confidence in everybody in the environment that we'll get the best out of each player.”

Scotland scrum-half George Horne impressed by young Glasgow Warriors players

Smith’s confidence in this new generation of Warriors players certainly appears to be shared by many of the veterans in the squad. That includes scrum-half George Horne, who is very much looking forward to lining up alongside them this season.

“Franco does a great job of leading these guys into the team and they come on to be great players,” Scotland internationalist Horne said. “They're all already great professionals.

“They train really hard, they've got a great work ethic and it's not the fact of us [experienced players] trying to bring them up to speed, it's us trying to keep up with them because they're a great bunch and most of them have now trained with the main squad for at least two if not three years. They've been training against pretty much a full international 15 for two or three years and carving us to bits at times.

“It breeds great competition in the squad and I think you'll see a lot of these guys come on to be regular starters this year. I'd go as far to say it's the best strength [in depth] of an academy group that's turned pro that I've ever seen at the club.

“When Kerr Johnston and Kerr Yule got their cracks last year they just kind of settled in and looked like they'd been doing it for years. That is the most encouraging thing to see, just how they have settled in so quickly.

"Matty Urwin's been unbelievable in training. He's maybe not had as many opportunities in the first team yet but he's definitely going to get that this year and he's one to watch for sure. He can do it all, he's got all the bags of tricks.

“I've really got a lot of time for [Johnny Ventisei] and the way he came on against Leinster in his first game last year and looked like he had already played 50 games. Going up against an unbelievable Leinster team, Rieko Ioane was his opposite man and nothing really fazed him.”

The youngsters will get another chance to shine on Friday when Warriors face Bath in their final pre-season friendly.

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