Glasgow Warriors Triumph in the 2023-24 URC Season
The 2023-24 URC season has concluded, with the Glasgow Warriors emerging as the champions. This marks their second victory in the competition, their first since 2015, after defeating the Bulls in the final with a score of 16-21. Let's take a look back at their remarkable season that led them to lift the trophy.
Glasgow finished the regular season in 4th place, boasting 13 wins and 5 losses, a commendable record. This secured them a spot in the quarterfinals, where they faced the South African Stormers for a place in the semi-finals.
At Scotstoun Stadium, the Warriors convincingly beat the Stormers 27-10, advancing to the last four for a highly anticipated clash against the defending champions, Munster.
The Scots arrived at Thomond Park as underdogs to challenge the Irish side, who had finished 1st in the regular season. In a tightly contested match, Glasgow pulled off an upset, winning 10-17, thus securing a spot in the final against the Bulls in South Africa.
Scoring three tries and demonstrating heroic defense in the final moments, the Glasgow Warriors clinched their second title in history, after 2015, and were crowned the 2023-2024 URC champions.
Perhaps their standout match was the very first of the season. Facing Leinster on the opening day, the Warriors overpowered the Irish team, scoring six tries. The final score? 43-25, setting the tone for their season. A champion’s spirit was likely born that day, foreshadowing their eventual triumph.
Revisit the sensational try scored by winger Sebastien Cancelliere in this remarkable match.
The Best Try
In the semi-final against Munster, the Warriors delivered an exceptional play that ended with a try. Tom Jordan launched an attack from his own 22 meters, passing to his flanker, who then set up Huw Jones in the gap. The Scottish international broke through, executing a perfect 2-on-1 to assist his winger. Sebastien Cancelliere, once again, completed the play by scoring a try.
Player of the Season
Achieving their second title, the Glasgow Warriors had a stellar season. One player who particularly stood out was hooker Johnny Matthews.
Why? The choice is quite clear. In 18 matches, Matthews scored 14 tries, an extraordinary statistic for a hooker, making him the top try-scorer of the championship. Additionally, Matthews was the best line-out thrower in the league, with 162 successful throws, significantly ahead of the second-place thrower with 135.
Given the importance of this aspect in rugby, the Scottish hooker truly deserves our admiration.
Check out one of his tries.
