Glasgow’s record bid can be a real fanfare, says Gregor Townsend

Published on 31/10/2012 00:00

Gregor Townsend believes the Warriors crowd have a big role to play as record-chasing Glasgow eye a landmark win at home to Dragons on Friday.

Glasgow are on the trail of a sixth straight RaboDirect PRO12 win against the men from Newport, a result which would 
establish a new club record for the most consecutive tournament victories in a single season.

For the first time this season, Glasgow are not live on television this week, and Townsend yesterday urged the Glasgow support to turn out in force and continue the “fantastic backing” they have provided in the first four games at Scotstoun.

The head coach said: “The players and coaches have all been really impressed with the support we’ve received from the crowd so far this season. To sell out the Ulster game a fortnight ago, the first time we’ve done that for a match outside the derby against Edinburgh, was a tremendous effort from the fans, and we need them with us again this week.

“The players have done very well to put together some 
positive results in the 
RaboDirect PRO12, and we now 
have the opportunity to continue that run in back-to-back home games against Dragons and Leinster.

“It’s vital that we maintain the momentum we’ve established, but we know that the Dragons game is another massive test. Matches between these teams have tended to be very tight and hard fought over the seasons, and it’s in that sort of close 
contest where having a great home crowd at your back can 
really make a difference.”

Meanwhile, Edinburgh centre Nick De Luca yesterday handed £16,000 to Maggie’s Cancer 
Caring Centres, the money having been raised through the club’s risqué and much-admired calendar. De Luca and his team- mates managed the production, design and promotion of the calendar in which the players bare almost all for the good cause.

He said: “It’s a labour of love. Creating the calendar is always 
a bit of fun and putting it 
together can be quite stressful but we got a huge sense of satisfaction from the finished product and to raise £16,000 is absolutely fantastic.”