STYLE SEALS IT FOR SEYMOUR
New deal down to Warriors’ thrilling rugby
TOMMY SEYMOUR admits his decision to extend his stay at Glasgow Warriors to 2020 was partly down to the exciting brand of rugby played at Scotstoun under head coach Dave Rennie.
A key member of the side that dismantled Lyon 42-22 at the weekend in the European Champions Cup, the Scotland winger and his team-mates illustrated their exceptional attacking ability to take the maximum five points from the contest.
And the 30-year-old — who joined from Ulster in 2011 — hopes Warriors can continue their impressive form in the return fixture at home this weekend.
‘Looking around Europe, it’s hard to find a side that’s more willing to play with ball in hand, as expansively or plays with the tempo that we do,’ said Seymour. ‘Being a winger, it’s something you can’t help but look at and let it help your decision.
‘Not only are we playing the right brand of rugby, we have the players to do it. Credit to all my team-mates and everyone else for making Glasgow stand out for the rugby we play.
‘I love this club. Never did I think that it would be possible to be here as long as I have been. I’m incredibly fortunate. It’s an honour that they still want me around.
‘Huge thanks to Dave (Rennie), Scottish Rugby and Nathan Bombrys (managing director of Glasgow) for allowing me the opportunity to stay on.
‘I could compliment Glasgow in a whole host of ways but the fact my family is so happy here is important and I have made lifelong friends here as well. I’m delighted to say I’ll be here for the next wee while at least.’
Unlike his back three comrade Stuart Hogg — who will head to Exeter in 2019 — Seymour was not tempted further afield and has complete faith this squad can perform in the Pro14 and the Champions Cup this season.
‘I have full confidence that we can do it,’ added Seymour. ‘The squad is in a great position now, with an amazing amount of depth.
‘The past month is testament to that and how well the young guys who have come in have done.
‘That’s something that started with Gregor (Townsend) in terms of the rotation, making sure the young guys felt they could slip in seamlessly and give us results.
‘We’ve carried that on and I think, without getting ahead of ourselves, that we can definitely perform in both tournaments.
‘We’ve got a really exciting brand of rugby and some great inside backs who can allow guys like me some space.
‘It’s an exciting place to play, especially at Scotstoun when the supporters are in full voice. There’s no better feeling for me.’
And with 39 tries to his name for his club — not to mention 19 for his country — Seymour’s backs coach Mike Blair was only too quick to sing the winger’s praises, crediting his ability to create those magical moments on the pitch but more importantly his consistency with the basics.
‘You just have to watch his game from Saturday,’ said the former Scotland captain. ‘A couple of little bits of skill down the right flank. You wouldn’t pick many people in Europe that can do that.
‘The chip and regather, one of the offloads back on the inside. He’s a really consistent player, someone who can do the exciting stuff, the clever stuff but also the basics of the game. Chasing kicks, winning balls back and defusing the kicking game as well. They’re the standouts in his game.’