Title win is what coach is seeking

NOTHING other than winning the title can be considered a success at Glasgow Warriors this season, according to new head coach Dave Rennie.

The highly-rated New Zealander takes charge of his first competitive game this weekend, with an enviable record in his native country.

The ex-Chiefs man led his former side to unprecedented success in Super Rugby, winning titles in his first two seasons in 2012 and 2013 before leading them to the play-offs in every subsequent campaign.

As he prepares his side to take on Connacht this weekend, Rennie has said they must target winning it all this year and not settle for another sixthplaced finish.

“Winning it is the target,” he said.

“But also continuing to grow the club. Former coach Gregor Townsend did a great job but it was a struggle last year when the internationals were out, so we have to try and build more depth.

“We have brought in a few guys that can’t play for Scotland in that time which is important.

“We have huge aspirations, I don’t want the boys thinking fourth is good enough.

“You work hard to try and get to the play-offs and when you’re there, you’re two to three weeks off winning a title. So it’s a long way off. But we don’t want to be talking about anything other than winning a title.”

Warriors fans will not only be excited by Rennie’s reputation as a winner in New Zealand, he is thought to be one of the main contenders to take over from Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach, but by his style of play.

Rennie tends to favour an attacking, running brand of rugby and is looking to bring that to the Pro14.

He said: “We are fortunate that in having Gregor here over the past few years, he plays a real positive brand and that suits me.”