Gregor Hiddleston wants to reward Franco Smith’s show of faith at Glasgow Warriors this season.

The 22-year-old made his breakthrough last season after debuting in January in 2024 and penned his first professional contract the following month.

Warriors head coach Smith praised Hiddleston effusively last week after deciding not to directly replace George Turner at hooker after his departure with Hiddleston to receive increased game-time. 

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“It’s great to hear good stuff from Franco and I can’t speak highly enough of all the coaches,” Hiddleston admitted.

“Franco makes it clear that there will be opportunities and it’s up to us to take them. There are a lot of young boys who are out there and working hard and you’re never too far away from an opportunity.

George Turner's departure to Japan has presented an opportunity for HiddlestonGeorge Turner's departure to Japan has presented an opportunity for Hiddleston (Image: SNS) “It was a shame George left because it was good to have him round the building. He’s got lots of experience and many Scotland caps. You look at his career here and everything he’s done and I don’t think he could have had a better send-off than winning the URC final.

“There are opportunities to be taken and I just want to try to put my hand up for every one I can get, but it was sad to see George go.”

Hiddleston progressed into the senior squad at Glasgow alongside Scotland U20 colleagues and close friends Alex Samuel, Max Williamson and Euan Ferrie.

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“It’s really cool because it’s not just one of us coming through, it’s a few of us now in the squad,” Hiddleston said.

“ I played Scotland U20s with Max Williamson, and Euan Ferrie was the year above, and Alex was injured, but we were all roughly in that same age group and  played age-grade together.

Hiddleston came through the ranks with Max Williamson Hiddleston came through the ranks alongside Max Williamson (Image: SNS) "I live with Duncan Munn who I played U20s with as well. They’re a really good bunch of boys off the pitch as well as on it.”

Hiddleston played the full 80 minutes in Glasgow’s win over Benetton after making an incredible 27 tackles during his 20-minute cameo in the opening day defeat to Ulster. He contributed a further 20 tackles in the win over the Italian side.

“It was relentless but we worked hard on our defence,” Hiddleston added.

“Pete [Murchie] has got great input and we work really hard on it. I think you saw last season as well that defence was one of our strengths, so it wasn’t too fazing, just pretty gruelling towards the end.

"I was a bit sore but we just had to be ready to go again because Benetton is a good side.”