New Glasgow skipper's 'ridiculous' target after Leinster thrashing

New Glasgow skipper Kyle Steyn has set a bold target, claiming just months after the humiliating quarter-final loss at Leinster that the Warriors are capable of winning the 2022/23 URC title. That disgraceful 76-14 loss in Dublin cost coach Danny Wilson his job in June, but the pumped-up Scots are now swaggering into the new season making ambitious announcements.

With Franco Smith recruited from Italy as Wilson’s replacement, the South African has scrapped the co-captain system that was previously in situ and replaced the joint leadership ticket of Ryan Wilson and Fraser Brown with Steyn calling the shots in a solo capacity.

That promotion for rookie Scotland international Steyn has been accompanied by his jaw-dropping claim about the potential that he believes exists for Glasgow. “It’s a massive honour for me and something that I find incredibly humbling,” Steyn told glasgowwarriors.org.

“I love this club, so when Franco asked me to take on the role of captain I was both shocked and grateful. We are going in an exciting direction as a group and it’s a huge privilege for me and my family.

“Franco sat me down just before training and asked how my wedding went, first of all! He then explained his thinking and then asked me if I’d like to be captain. Ryan and Fraser both came up to me as soon as they heard and said congratulations and said we’d grab a beer later on. They have been great as captains and I can’t thank them enough.

“Being involved off the pitch with the cultural side of things as much as I can really helps me understand the gravity of this club and what it means to everyone associated with it. I’m excited to take that mantle on. First and foremost, we want to be a team that plays in a style that reflects the city that we represent. We want to be inspired by our city and to fight for everything, like our city and the people that live here have done throughout history.

“On the field, the goal is to win the URC. That might sound ridiculous to some but that is the kind of tone that we need. We know it’s not going to be an easy road to get there, but I truly believe that this group of players is capable of doing something special.”

Speaking about why he chose the 28-year-old Steyn as his new Glasgow captain, Smith explained: “Kyle represents everything that the Warriors stand for. On and off the field, he understands and embodies our club’s values. He leads by example and he is part of a new generation of Warriors that can take this club forward.

“As well as that, though, he is just an absolutely stand-up guy. The way he goes about his business is that of a model professional and the full squad respects him to a man. Good people make good players is one of my biggest philosophies as a coach and leading off the field is equally as important as leading on the field.

“We only represent this club for a short while, and we must leave something as a legacy for the generations to follow. We firmly believe that Kyle is someone who can help us leave a footprint for those to follow.”