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February 14, 2023

International Warriors bring fresh energy to the squad

Posted by Editor on February 14, 2023 10:21 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Nathan McBeth has been in impressive form
Glasgow Warriors have been boosted by the return of seven players from Scotland's Six Nations squad for the URC meeting with Ulster at Scotstoun.

Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Simon Berghan, Jack Dempsey, Ali Price, Stafford McDowall and Ollie Smith are all available for selection and Glasgow prop Nathan McBeth says the returning players have brought a fresh energy to the squad as Warriors return to action after a two-week break.

Speaking in The Scotsman, McBeth said: "It's a massive boost just because Scotland is also doing really well, beating England and Wales.

"They'll bring a different type of energy back into the squad and just help us get everything perfect. It's very good to have them in our environment. We'll look to feed off their energy. You can see that with the pace and the physicality in our training this week."

It also emerged this week that Rory Darge was back in full training after an ankle injury that required surgery.

"To have Darge back is massive for us," added McBeth. "He's very strong over the ball and is a massive player for us and for Scotland, and I think he'll be buzzing just to get some time on the field and play some rugby. He's looking very fit and very strong."

McBeth, a former Scotland and South Africa U20 international, said the national side's performances in the Six Nations have been inspiring, none more so than those of Glasgow skipper Kyle Steyn.

"Kyle Steyn's been playing very very well for Scotland and for Glasgow and being our captain he's very inspirational," said McBeth.

"I think he's made a massive step up and the guys all back him. I think that's the biggest thing, we've all bought in and backed him from the beginning."

Although born in South Africa, McBeth is now committed to Scotland, qualifying through his grandfather, Mac, who is originally from Edinburgh.

"I'm living in Scotland now so hopefully one day I can make it. I'm still learning from Jamie Bhatti, Oli Kebble and Allan Dell. So I definitely have inspiration in my desire to play for Scotland."

Glasgow were on a nine-game unbeaten run going into the international break, with McBeth making an important contribution mainly from the bench. They are fifth in the United Rugby Championship standings, four points behind Ulster who are third. The Warriors ran them close at the Kingspan Stadium in the first game of last season before going down 35-29 and McBeth expects another tough encounter.

"It's going to be a very physical game and they're going to bring it up front," he said. "We just have to match that and bring even more. We're playing at home and we have a good record here and we want to continue that."