Kyle Rowe's Scotland aims after title-winning first season at Glasgow

Rowe has dealt admirably when faced with adversity over an incredibly turbulent few years, and it came as no surprise that he responded impressively to Franco Smith’s decision to leave him out of the matchday squad for the season’s climax by scoring his first Scotland tries on their summer tour.  

After returning to Glasgow last summer following London Irish’s collapse, Rowe featured regularly for the Warriors and his eye-catching displays earned him an international recall against Wales in the Six Nations. 

Read more:

• Nigel Carolan on why Kyle Steyn should start for Scotland​
• Sione Tuipulotu reveals a third brother could be Scotland-bound

But after that high, Warriors coach Smith favoured a back-three of Kyle Steyn, Josh McKay and Sebastián Cancelliere for their URC play-offs with Rowe failing to make the bench due to the six-two split between forwards and backs. 

“There were regrets at not being involved but it’s not through anything that I did,” Rowe reflected.

“Franco had decided that he wanted to go with Steyno, Seb and Josh. Once we won the Stormers game, I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to change the team and keep it for the semi-final and final. 

“It was pretty gutting not to be involved but I don’t think it was through anything that I had done. I was still a pretty integral part to the season so there weren't too many regrets. I travelled and everything so it was still a very surreal season.

"It was pretty mental to win the URC after everything that I’d been through.

"Franco always has a plan but plans can always change. It’s just about coming in every week and trying to get better. 

Kyle Rowe celebrates scoring a try for Glasgow Hawks (Image: SNS) “Whether I’m on the team sheet or not isn’t through any fault of my own unless I have a really shocking game. It’s just about keeping the momentum going and bringing my form across the summer into the season.” 

Rowe’s disappointment at missing the crunch fixtures didn’t linger and he shone on Scotland’s summer tour.

The versatile back is highly regarded by Gregor Townsend and he scored his first tries in the famous blue jersey with a double against Chile in July. Before dealing with the uncertainty of London Irish’s plight into administration, Rowe was sidelined for a year with a knee injury and he’s incredibly proud of bouncing back in such style. 

“It was very memorable,” Rowe replied when asked about scoring for Scotland.

"The next thing for me is to do that at Murrayfield because that would be a pretty big moment for myself considering everything that I’ve been through. 

Kyle Rowe crossed for his first Test tries on the summer tour (Image: Getty Images) "I wouldn’t say it was a relief or anything like that, but it was good because I know that I’ve come a long way and not many people can say they’ve done what I’ve done - it made the moment even sweeter. 

“The main thing for me was taking the form from the summer with Scotland back to Glasgow and building on it.

"One of my aims for the start of the season is to get into the Autumn Nations squad. I want to play as many games as I can for Scotland.”

An emotional Kyle Rowe before his Scotland debut in Argentina, which ended in a serious knee injury for the Glasgow wing (Image: SNS)

Rowe’s versatility is a major asset for both club and country as he’s equally comfortable on the wing and at fullback. The former Falkirk, Glasgow Hawks and Ayr man doesn’t have a preference over where he plays as long as he’s on the team sheet. 

“I’m happy to play either,” he admitted.

“I feel that wing and 15 do similar jobs although they are completely different positions. The skills required to play both are quite similar and I feel like I’m pretty interchangeable.

"It always depends on what team you’re playing against and what Gregor or Frano is thinking. Hopefully (being able to play across the back three) adds another string or my bow.”

Rowe will be aiming to build on his impressive starting return against Benetton last weekend by getting on the scoresheet against Cardiff on Friday night.

The Scotland star scored 12 tries for Glasgow last season but his sole motivation isn't crossing the white line.

Asked whether he had a try target this season, Rowe replied: “I don’t really set out a target, it's just about working hard on the pitch.

Kyle Rowe enjoyed a stellar season for Glasgow last year (Image: SNS)

"I could’ve had a couple of tries at the weekend because Rory Darge and Euan Ferrie scored on my wing but I was working hard infield to get on the ball. It’s just the way that it panned out because I was working off my wing. 

“You don’t want to just be sitting on your wing and not touching the ball all game or getting a few touches. We are encouraged to get on the ball and show everyone what we can with the ball in hand.

"There’s a real freedom to express yourself.”