Tom Jordan reflected on an “unreal” Scotland debut after a meteoric rise through the ranks that began with the versatile back playing semi-professional rugby upon his arrival from New Zealand.  

Jordan, who made his international bow on residency almost five years to the day since arriving in Scotland from the land of his birth, produced an outstanding display after replacing Glasgow colleague Kyle Rowe just before half-time.  

More usually found at fly-half or inside centre for the Warriors, Jordan fitted in seamlessly at fullback, with the highlight of his showing a terrific cover tackle that bailed out Jack Dempsey after the number eight attempted to volley a Fijian restart.  

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Jordan said: "From getting selected in the [training] squad and then this week as well, it's just been unreal.  

“All the boys have just been so welcoming and you know they've got a great set up there with the Scotland staff that Gregor has built up over the last couple of years." 

The arrival of Franco Smith as Glasgow Warriors head coach was the springboard that launched Jordan’s professional career, having impressed during the inaugural season of the now-disbanded Super6 league.  

Jordan looked back on his journey from Millbrae to Murrayfield.  

Tom Jordan's rugby journey in Scotland began at Ayrshire Bulls Tom Jordan's rugby journey in Scotland began at Ayrshire Bulls (Image: SNS) “I was just coming over to gain a bit more rugby experience while New Zealand was in the off-season, but then, obviously I just fell in love with it over here.  

"I've really created lifelong friends, had so much overwhelming support from when I was selected in the squad and then named in the team. So, you know, I'd say this is home away from home really and I've got so many friends and everything now up here and I think it's just sort of how it's developed. 

“When I came over to Ayr to start, I fell in love with the culture up here and gained some lifelong friends as well. I just stuck with it.” 

And sticking with it has proved a wise choice for Jordan, who guided Glasgow to the URC title and praised the influence of Warriors boss Franco Smith on his rise to the international arena.  

“He's been really influential in my journey and development, I'd say,” Jordan said of the South African.   

Tom Jordan has been outstanding for Glasgow Tom Jordan has been outstanding for Glasgow (Image: Getty Images) “It's been awesome working with him and this is our third season together. I've learned a lot from him, which has been awesome.” 

A rollercoaster of emotions for the 26-year-old began when he led the team off the bus upon their arrival at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with scores of fans lining the stairwells around the stadium to greet the team.  

Jordan added: "I've been a fan before coming to the game, but to come in on the bus and see all the fans showing so much pride about Scotland and everything was unreal.  

“I walked off the bus first with this and it was a pretty overwhelming feeling just seeing everyone there to support us. Coming out and singing the anthem as well, it was awesome. 

Tom Jordan sings Flower of Scotland before his international debutTom Jordan sings Flower of Scotland before his international debut (Image: SNS) “The atmosphere was crazy and obviously I'm never going to forget it. It was an unbelievable day and I'm just really proud." 

The emotions continued when Jordan was called upon to replace Rowe after the fullback suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half. 

Jordan said the immediacy of the call that he was going on helped with his nerves. 

"I wasn't really expecting it and then all of a sudden they were like ‘you're on’ so it kind of washed away the nerves,” he said.  

“It was good to get chucked in at the deep end and just rip straight in, and obviously the boys had set a good foundation pretty early on. 

"It was obviously a great feeling. I heard the announcer say my name and people cheered, so it was pretty cool there, but I think in terms of the situation, it was more like ‘right, we need to try to stop the scoring’. 

“It was half-time where it more sort of sunk in I'd say, and then more now and after seeing my family." 

Tom Jordan put in an excellent showing on his debutTom Jordan put in an excellent showing on his debut (Image: SNS) In the stands watching were Jordan’s dad and his partner, who had made the trip from New Zealand to see the 26-year-old become the 1231st player to pull on the thistle in a men’s international.  

"That was really good. I think they're going to stay for a couple of weeks, but they've got work and stuff. I’ll catch them up and see them at the house which will be great.” 

Jordan will hope his family can be at his second cap when world champions South Africa visit Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Sunday.  

But the Glasgow back played down his prospects of being involved against the Springboks despite an eye-catching debut.  

“Honestly, I think it's pretty hard for me to say. I think being involved this week was amazing and like I said, I'm going to remember it and cherish it forever.  

“But I think it's just about putting my best foot forward every time I get an opportunity and just give my all.  

“Regardless if I'm selected or not, I'm going to do my best to prepare the team because we've got a huge game next week.  

"Whatever my role is, if that's preparing the team or if I'm involved, I'm just going to give my all.”