'I just pretended' - Duncan Weir on his perfect yet painful Glasgow Warriors send-off

The former Scotland fly-half and two-time league title winner with Glasgow came off the bench for his 163rd and final Warriors appearance in the 47-10 win over Zebre on Saturday.

Tries from Stafford McDowall, Ollie Smith, Seb Stephen, Jamie Dobie and Gregor Hiddleston had already secured the bonus point by the time Weir crossed for number six to get the biggest cheer of the night.

There was still time for Dobie to land Glasgow’s seventh try as Warriors climbed up to second in the URC table but the night belonged to Weir who now moves into a new coaching role in the club’s academy.

"It's been a really special week," an emotional Weir told Premier Sports. "I've really loved the effort that everyone has put in to reach out and make comments. I'm so grateful. I've lived my dream playing for Glasgow Warriors.

"Going into the coaching side and the academy I've got all the local talent coming to my doorstep, and my job is to let them live their dream. I'm so hungry for that to go successful. Not only for those boys but to keep the evolution of this club going because it's such a special place and I absolutely love it."

Weir made an uncustomary supporting run to receive a pass Dobie to ensure he marked his special occasion with a try but paid the price by injuring his hamstring. "I've never ran that line before in my life," he admitted. The 34-year-old could barely walk as the match drew to a close - his bloodied finger was also bandaged - but he made sure he remained on the pitch to see out the final match of his career.

"I don't need to use that hammy any more so we're in a good spot but I knew as soon as Dobie gave me the ball and I accelerated it was gone," Weir added. "I tore it maybe four weeks ago now but have just been training through it and just pretending it's not there.

"I did it when it was a really misty day here the week of the Edinburgh game. I tweaked it and I thought, 'Oh no, I've done it, my career's over'. I just pretended and did so much rehab on it.

"I'd do it all again. The other one can go as well. I don't need them any more!"

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith was delighted that Weir was able to sign off his playing career in style.

"He hasn't run that cheat line... he'll probably be saying I should have run that 10 years ago," the South African quipped.

"My joy is for him. He's contributed so much. Even when he doesn't play he's been carrying water for us. His contribution and communication towards players in respect of his new role is already very good.

"He's a passionate guy about the young development group and has been a role model and leadership point of reference for them for quite a while.

"From a team perspective you could always rely on him. I often picked him in the first part of my career here as someone to close the games out. He never missed the last penalty. He is just such a professional."