GLASGOW have announced a shortlist of seven players for their McCrea Financial Services Player of the Season award – with five of the seven being in their first full season at Scotstoun.
The Warriors coaching team has decided on the list after taking into account not only players’ performances during games but also their contributions during training and to the team more generally. The winner, to be decided by a public vote, will be announced at the Warriors’ awards dinner, sponsored by the Malcolm Group, on Tuesday 24 May.
The two strongest contenders for the award would appear to be back-row forwards Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey, who have both been hugely impressive since joining Danny Wilson’s squad. Darge joined from Edinburgh late last season in serach of more regular rugby, and quickly earned a regular place in the team, going on to make his Scotland debut earlier this season. Dempsey, an Australian international who could switch allegiance to Scotland later this year, has been hailed as one of the most outstanding newcomers in the URC.
Argentine winger Sebastian Cancelliere, New Zealander Josh McKay and Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu are the others who have made it on to the list in their first full campaign with the team. Cancelliere and his fellow-back-three player McKay have fitted in immediately to the Warriors’ attacking brand of rugby, while Tuipolutu’s dynamic ball-carrying skills quickly earned him a Scotland debut in the autumn international against Tonga.
The seven-strong list is completed by Richie Gray and Sam Johnson. Gray, who is in his second spell as a Glasgow player, was head coach Danny Wilson’s first signing after he took over the reins from Dave Rennie. He has played in all but two of the club’s games so far this season. Scotland centre Johnson has formed a solid understanding with Tuipulotu in midfield and is one of the most consistent performers in the squad.
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I can’t really see past Dempsey and Darge for PoTS. However I agree with Balls Up regarding Matthew’s ommssion. The mat disappointing thing this season has BN11 the number f times Glasgow have play d well for the first 60 minutes and then last. Wilson and Co need to address that issue.
Apologies for the literals in my post
What no Johnny Mathews? Unheralded, underrated and almost unheard of before his breakthrough last year. Top try scorer and keeping two international hookers on their toes.
When you look at the list there is undoubtedly talent in the Warriors squad. When Danny Wilson got the nod his usp was said to be player and squad development and so it has proven. Unfortunately I’m not sure there is the collective coaching guile or top level experience to take this group much if any further than they gone already. I hope I’m wrong and they kick on as they get older and develop experience, however I think they have found their level under this present regime.