Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn hopes the Warriors URC title win attracts new fans to Scotstoun this season.
The Warriors skipper was speaking as the title-winning squad paraded the trophy at George Square before a civic reception in the city chambers this afternoon.
Steyn said that while a lot has happened since the Warriors’ 21-16 win over the Bulls in the final, it was nice to receive recognition for the achievement.
“To be recognised by the city today I think is a really special mark to that group,” he said.
The Scotland wing said the impact of his team’s success has already been felt in the city.
"It was just amazing to feel the buzz around Glasgow - everywhere you went there was someone just saying how happy they were and really chuffed to be a part of it.
“I really enjoyed that part, being a part of the wider community and getting the feel of that.”
He acknowledged the importance of getting into the community, whether that is with the URC trophy or through coaching sessions at local clubs.
Steyn said: “I know the trophy has been on a tour while we've been away, but just getting the trophy down to clubs, getting involved with the clubs, will be really good."
And he hopes those initiatives will help draw more fans to Scotstoun this season.
Steyn continued: "It's a great day out for the family. We've got our Friday nights mostly back this season, which is great again.
"That's where we tend to get our best atmosphere. So, we’re looking forward to it and hopefully we'll welcome many new faces.”
There has already been an increase in season ticket sales on last season, while the club have kept their season tickets available for longer this year as a result of demand.
The league title win was just the latest landmark in 2024 for the 30-year-old, who became a father for the first time during the Six Nations.
His international team-mates Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones both became dads last season, and Steyn said it was great to experience it all together.
“It's just really cool to share that experience with so many boys. There were so many of us that went through that, becoming a father for the first time, then won that and also played in the World Cup at the beginning of the season.
“To share that with so many boys, so many of us that went through that together, was really special.”
The 30-year-old said knows Glasgow will go into the season as the team to beat.
“It would be dumb to assume you wouldn't be targeted,” he said, before offering an assessment of the Warriors’ first run-out of the season, the 31-0 reverse to Zebre on Saturday.
“We haven't read too much into the result,” Steyn said.
“It was a really good chance for a lot of our youngsters to get a taste of what they need at this level.
“Even off the back of that, although we lost, you can see they've got the confidence now in training. They know what's expected and they know where they need to be.
“There's still lots of positives to take out of the weekend. Being the defending champions, I'm sure, will bring a different aspect to every game. Everyone's going to be wanting to be at their best and that's a great thing for us. That's a great challenge.”
Asked what it would take to repeat their achievements from last season, Steyn replied: “It's going to be a whole squad effort, but I think it's about sitting down and refocusing where we're at and where we're aiming to be.
“We can't just be coming in every day expecting to do the same thing and get the same results.”
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