Shortlist for the McCrea Financial Services October Warrior of the Month Revealed!
Four of the standout performers from the month of October are in the running to be named as the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for October, as Glasgow Warriors kicked off their 2023/24 campaign in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
After a close-fought defeat to Ulster in Cavan closed out pre-season, Franco Smith’s men hit the ground running with a memorable 43-25 victory over Leinster on Family Day at Scotstoun, running in seven tries against the Irish heavyweights.
Despite a 34-26 reverse at the hands of Connacht last time out, the Warriors were at least able to salvage a four-try bonus-point from their trip to Galway to keep in touch with the early pacesetters in the BKT URC.
Supporters have until 5pm on Friday 3 November to cast their vote on the club’s official Twitter account.
The nominees are:
Angus Fraser
Having impressed during pre-season, hooker Fraser grabbed his opportunity with both hands at the start of the new campaign, marking his first start in Glasgow colours with a try during the victory over Leinster at Scotstoun.
The former Dundee Eagle was in the thick of things once more in Galway, playing a key role in helping his side earn a penalty try against their Irish opponents.
Fraser also turned in an impressive defensive shift against Connacht on Saturday afternoon, making 100% of his 16 tackles to earn the KubeNet Defender of the Week award.
Gregor Brown
Back-rower Brown featured in all three of Glasgow’s fixtures during the month of October, drawing plaudits from supporters and pundits alike for his work rate in both attack and defence.
A hard-hitting defensive shift saw the Aberdonian catch the eye against Ulster in Cavan, putting in a tireless effort in the back-row.
Brown’s athleticism with ball in hand was then on show in victory over Leinster, dove-tailing expertly with Sebastian Cancelliere to put the winger over for a superb score in front of the West Stand.
Greg Peterson
USA international Peterson has slotted seamlessly back into life at Scotstoun since returning for a second spell with the Warriors, having re-joined the club prior to the first match of the BKT URC campaign.
The second-rower put in a tireless shift in the engine room in the win over Leinster, linking the play to excellent effect to put George Horne over for a try just 94 seconds into his 100th appearance for Glasgow.
Peterson then added both physicality and energy off the replacements bench on Saturday afternoon in Galway, playing his part in helping to send Jamie Dobie across the whitewash for the all-important fourth try.
Rory Darge
After an impressive Rugby World Cup campaign, openside flanker Darge has returned to Glasgow action to pick up where he left off at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, hitting top form at the outset of the new season.
His footwork and leg drive in contact saw him make the line break that led to Josh McKay’s score against Leinster, whilst that same footwork helped him make three line breaks in a 30-minute cameo off the bench in Galway.
It was in defence, though, that Darge excelled during October, making a team-leading 31 tackles and earning three turnovers to earn the KubeNet Defender of the Week award in victory over Leinster.