The All-Ireland League 1B side are “old” friends of Hawks, although as both teams were formed in the late 1990’s the ties are relatively speaking old.
Last season was a struggle for the Belfast side, but Glasgow Hawks’ coach Jamie Dempsey is under no illusions that this will be anything other than a tough match.

“Cross border games always have an edge and to a certain extent form goes out of the window. We were a little bit rusty in our match against Ionians (Hull) in England last Saturday and I am looking forwards to see how the players react on Saturday.”

Hawks narrowly lost 29-27 and whilst it was a disappointing result, travelling allowed some of the new players to familiarise themselves with the team and the coaching system in anticipation of the coming campaign.

Dempsey continued, “We have recruited quite widely and I’m happy that we have strengthened the squad. We achieved our objectives last year but I want to make that step up, to challenge for a top four place and the Championship itself. The new faces show a good mix of youth and experience.”

“Fin Gillies has joined us having been released by Glasgow Warriors, he played for us last year as a drafted player and we were delighted when he agreed to register with us. We have added to the strength in depth in the pack. Lyall Archer has joined from Highland as he has come to Glasgow to study and he’s just been named in the U-19 squad, so we hope we can help him progress.”

“Sam Thomson has returned to Glasgow from Worcester, where he was studying. He is another one of the locks coming from Kelvinside’s production line, with Scott Cummings and Andrew Davidson both stepping up from the school in the same position we feel that we have plenty of depth there. We’ve already recruited Jonny Agnew who has been at Hillhead Jordanhill for 4 years as an almost ever present in the side. Jonny brings a bit more experience and we think he’ll enjoy the step up in standard in the top division.”

With Tommy Spinks and Angus Neilson joining in the back row, there is a real buzz of youth in the pack and most of the new recruits have played for Scotland at a variety of Age-grade levels. Recruitment in the backs suffered a blow when stand- off, Gregor Hunter was recruited but Dempsey remains upbeat.

“It’s a blow, obviously, but we have also recruited George Horne (Currie) and he brings a wealth of experience. I am also pleased that Brendan McGroarty from Greenock Wanderers has joined the club. He is quite a talent and he is looking forward to the challenge in the top tier. “

Erland Oag who was Aberdeen Grammar’s player of the season last year joins on the wing along with Olly Barker formerly from Hill-Jills.
“The backs add further pace and I am really looking forward to seeing them blend in with our current squad. All in all we thinks that these players will help take Hawks back to the top of Scottish club rugby.”

END

For further information, please contact:
Alex Gordon

Glasgow Hawks Press Officer