Jordan determined to book more big games for fans at fortress Scotstoun
Warriors taking nothing for granted in play-off run, says versatile fly-half
IF you rocked up to Scotstoun Stadium you would not look at it and think it is an intimidating setting in the rugby world. It is one of the smaller venues in the URC and the artificial surface means there are no worries about the pitch being in bad shape with the weather.
Yet, somehow, Glasgow Warriors have made it a fortress, having an unbeaten league record there this season and you would not expect that to change with Zebre the only match left at Scotstoun before the play-offs. One defeat in the Champions Cup against Northampton Saints is the only blemish on their otherwise perfect record.
Tom Jordan has been a key part of the Glasgow side this season, showing his versatility by playing at fly-half and in the centre depending on where he is needed and he reckons it is a combination of factors that has made Scotstoun such a difficult place to come for visiting teams.
A home quarter-final is the minimum Glasgow are hoping to get this season with a semi-final and final also a possibility if they finish first. For Jordan, that has to be the aim. “For any team being able to potentially play home quarters, home semis and a home final is so important. Look at teams’ records and most win more games at home than away,” he said. “With packed-out Scotstoun, with people standing on the track watching, it’s an unreal atmosphere and something we really thrive on. It’s really important for us to finish as high in the table as we can to ensure that we put ourselves in the best position come the end of the season and not leave anything to chance when it’s in our hands just now to put ourselves there.”
When asked what makes it so special and difficult for opponents, he continued: “I think they get off the plane and get hit by ice-cold wind and rain! It’s probably a bit of everything; the turf, the weather at times, it’s cold weather but we still play pretty quick rugby.
“We’ve got a great squad too and we turn up now, home or away actually, with the mentality that defensively we’re not going to let teams score. We’re going to be really physical. That’s our mindset every week.
“When it’s packed out here and everyone’s cheering, it’s an awesome atmosphere. All the big games we’ve had when the crowd is going for it, it just makes you proud to be representing Glasgow and it’s cool that we can do that every couple of weeks. Hopefully we can keep pushing so we can bring some more big games here for the fans to enjoy.”
Next up for Glasgow is a trip to face Zebre tomorrow before a week off and then two weeks in South Africa. It’s three difficult away trips and Warriors will need to be fully focused when they head to Italy this weekend with Jordan hoping they can take a big performance into the South Africa tour.
He added: “Zebre away will be a big game. They’re a strong side at home and can be dangerous. It’s important for us to really lock in and make sure that we take out some of our frustrations from the Sharks game when we didn’t take all of our opportunities and put it into a good performance out there.
“Every week we’re focused on the opposition in front of us. We’re not taking Zebre lightly at all. It’s really important for us to go there and put
in a really good performance as that will set us up for South Africa. That’s not your usual away trip so we need to keep a bit of that in our minds as well, given all the logistics required.”
Jordan is approaching five years in Scotland having initially joined the Ayrshire Bulls in the Super Series, before agreeing a deal with Glasgow in 2022 and has gone from strength to strength under coach Franco Smith.
The Kiwi will not be eligible to play for Scotland in the summer tour but does become qualified just ahead of the Autumn Tests, and he has thought about being called up to Gregor Townsend’s squad.
There is stiff competition in both of his positions but his versatility could be a major benefit to the squad.
He never thought about being Scottish qualified when he first moved over to play in the Super Series, but as the years have gone on, it is something that has become more of an option.
When asked about the prospect of being called up, he said: “I seem to have come over at the right date! But we’ll just see what happens. I need to be still playing here and playing the best I can. My full focus is on
Glasgow and winning the URC. That’s the main aim.
“Obviously I’ve thought about it when people have asked me but whatever happens will happen. Once I’ve qualified, then I’ll think about what’s going on. But it’s still so far away. There’s no point thinking about it right now. I’ll just go with the flow.”
Meanwhile, Grant Stewart has signed a deal to return to Glasgow until the summer of 2026.
The one-time capped Scotland international will offer more depth in the hooker position having spent five years and playing 48 times for the club in his first spell, scoring nine tries.
He left in 2022 and spent a season with Irish side Connacht before playing for Ayrshire Bulls in the FOSROC Super Series. He has been training with Glasgow throughout this season and has now been handed a contract, with injury problems mounting in his position.
Johnny Matthews picked up an ankle injury last weekend, while George Turner is also on the sidelines. It left just the inexperienced pair of Angus Fraser and Gregor Hiddleston, but Stewart now adds a bit more experience and he can’t wait to get started again.
“I’m really excited to be back,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed being back in the environment over the course of the season. There’s a great feeling about the place.
“I’m obviously not one of the young bucks anymore, I’m one of the older boys! I definitely feel like I’ve picked up more experience from the time I’ve been away, though, and I’m looking forward to pulling on a Glasgow shirt once more.
“The coaching group here have been great, too. Franco backs the boys really well and trusts you to perform, and I can’t wait to get back out there with the boys.”
Smith added: “Grant has made the most of being invited back into our environment, and has worked hard and given everything to become a Glasgow Warrior once again. He has committed to training with us alongside his commitments on his family farm and with Ayrshire Bulls, and he fully deserves his chance based on the work he has put in.
“He is a reminder to all to not give up on your dreams and that by working hard and putting in the effort you can achieve your desired goals.”
Scotland prop Alec Hepburn, meanwhile, will play in the United Rugby Championship next season after agreeing a deal to join Scarlets.
The 31-year-old will leave Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season after 179 appearances, helping the club to two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup success during his nine years.
He will now move on to join Scarlets and hope to help the struggling Welsh side who will miss out on the URC play-offs this season.
As well as his four appearances for Scotland, Hepburn previously picked up six caps for England before making his debut for Townsend’s side during this year’s Six Nations tournament.
He admits it is difficult to leave Exeter but said: “My way of dealing with the prospect of leaving is by looking forward, the front windscreen is bigger than the rearview mirror. Because, if I do look back, it’ll probably make me a bit emotional.
“Being a Chief has been amazing. I can’t believe I was here at 21 and I’m getting ready to leave at 31. It’s all gone very quickly.
“To say it’s been a huge part of my life is an understatement, so thank you.”