Club: Glasgow Warriors
Last season: 7th
Odds for the title: 25/1
Season opener: away v Cardiff Blues, 21st September
Ins
Dougie Hall (Edinburgh), Michael Collins (London Irish), Daryl Gibson (Leicester), Chris O'Young (Western Force), Mike Adamson (Part-time pro, Glasgow), Ed Kalman, Richie Vernon, Kelly Brown, Opeta Palepoi (all Borders)
Lome Fa’atau (Wellington Hurricanes)
Outs
Stuart Corsar (Rotherham), Rory Lamont (Sale), Graeme Beveridge (Bristol), Jon Petrie (Retired), Euan Murray (Northampton), Scott Lawson (Sale), Andrew Wilson (taking a break from the game), Francisco Leonelli (Released)
The player preview
New scrum-half Chris O’Young gets excited about his maiden Magners League season
Why the move?
I had some offers to stay in Australia, but I’ve got some family over here in Edinburgh (his sister married a Scot) and after I spoke to Sean [Lineen] and he told about all the new signings it seemed the perfect opportunity for me. I also spoke to a couple of people who had been over here – Scott and Graydon Staniforth – and they gave me an insight into what the team was all about and how they’re looking to build something good here.
What are you making of pre-season?
In Australia we have three months of pre-season and you’re absolutely flogged in temperatures of 35-plus degrees on a hard surface. Over here, the climate’s been quite nice, it’s a bit different running 100 metres in 15 degrees rather than 30!
Any good team-building exercises?
We held a Highland Games which involved caber tossing, haggis throwing and a bucking bull. I think Donnie Macfadyen won the caber tossing. No, hold on, actually I think it was Dan Turner who was labeled the biggest tosser in team!
How’s the gameplan looking for the season?
Sean is really trying to push unity in the way we play the game. He wants us to play rugby that’s going to be competitive and exciting at the same time.
What have you made of the goings-on at Edinburgh?
To be honest we’ve not spoken about it, we’ve just concentrated on things at Glasgow, everything else has nothing to do with us. It’s definitely good that it’s all settled though. We all want to strengthen Scottish rugby and that means for Glasgow and Edinburgh to be competitive teams.
What’s the target for the season?
We’re looking for a top-four finish and to be competitive home and away.
Outside of rugby have you had much chance to see the UK?
I’ve seen Heathrow and a whole lot of Scotland, but travel is a lot different than back home. The distances are so great in Australia that you can be on the road three weeks to get somewhere! I’ve managed to get in a bit of surfing though on the east coast of Scotland.
Surfing in Scotland? Must have been freezing..
It wasn’t bad actually, I didn’t even have to wear a hood.
Back on the rugby front, which players should we be looking out for?
Max Evans has a lot of speed and in the forwards I think it’s going to be exciting to watch Mike Collins in the forwards and Sean Marsden, Dan Parks and Colin Gregor in the backs.
Supporters’ prediction: 4th. “This has to be our year, we had a brilliant finish last year and the signings that have come in have been great and really strengthened our squad.” Stephen Minton, Glasgow
Rucked prediction: 5th. Will play some great rugby and be among the front-runners but still a couple of players short of a proper fight for the title.