Ally Miller expressed his appreciation for the Warrior Nation after being voted as the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for December, earning the award for the first time in his Glasgow Warriors career.

The back-rower enjoyed a superb end to 2023 for Franco Smith’s squad, with the Scotstoun faithful recognising his efforts with 56.7% of the public vote for December’s award.

A barnstorming performance at number eight saw the former Scotland 7s star turn in an unforgettable display in the 12-11 victory away to Aviron Bayonnais, turning on the afterburners to race home from 30 metres in a Player of the Match-winning display.

Miller followed up his first try in Glasgow colours with his second just a week later, finishing off a team move with aplomb to cap a 22-10 victory over Edinburgh at Scotstoun.

Comfortable across all of the back-row positions, his work rate in defence also saw him earn KubeNet Defender of the Week honours following the win in Bayonne, helping his team remain in the hunt for a European knockout clash.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s pivotal meeting with Toulon at Scotstoun, Miller told glasgowwarriors.org: “It’s a brilliant feeling, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone that voted for me for this award – it means a lot to me.

“The last five or six weeks have been a lot of fun – Franco [Smith] and the coaches have given me the opportunity to play and these last few weeks have been great matches in which to be involved.

“I’ve always enjoyed my rugby, but getting the chance to get out on the field and get in amongst it is always special. Training is competitive and everyone drives each other forward, and you know that, with the calibre of players we have at this club, when an opportunity comes your way you have to take it.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with the supporters off the field over the last year or so when rehabbing a long-term injury, and you get a real appreciation for what this club means to so many people. The support we get week in, week out – not just at Scotstoun but wherever we travel – is unbelievable and to have them cheering us on is a special feeling.

“It’s a cliché, but it’s important for us to back up our performance in Exeter with another one against Toulon this weekend. We want to keep our momentum going and take the next step forward, because we know that we need the right result this weekend if we want to take the next step in Europe.”

As part of his award, Miller also earns a donation to a charity of his choosing courtesy of McCrea Financial Services, with the back-rower electing to support Guide Dogs Scotland - a previous charity partner of McCrea in the 2021/22 fundraising year. 

“We invited the team from Guide Dogs into Scotstoun last year and I’ve done a bit of work with them through our Clans,” explained Miller.

“I think the work they do in the communities in which they operate is fantastic, and as someone who loves dogs too I’m happy to be able to support them!”