Fusaro sees key role at Glasgow recognised with leading accolade

Fusaro was honoured at a dinner staged in conjunction with the Bill McLaren Foundation and Help for Heroes, and held in Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel. The evening also saw teenage full-back/centre Stuart Hogg named Young Player of the Season.

Sean Lineen’s team sit fourth in the RaboDirect PRO12, and can seal a place in the semi-finals by beating Connacht at Firhill next Saturday evening.

Fusaro, who beat off strong competition for his award from the shortlisted Ryan Grant, Hogg and Tom Ryder, has played in 19 of Glasgow’s matches in the tournament to date and scored back-to-back tries in the recent wins over Ariorni and Cardiff Blues.

The 22-year-old also played in all six of the club’s Heineken Cup pool matches and has been tied up on a contract keeping him at Warriors until May 2014.

Hogg started the year with only two top team appearances to his name, and was still part of the Warriors’ Elite Development programme.

Having initially seized the chance to shine during the Rugby World Cup window, the 19-year-old has established a reputation as one of the most exciting talents in the European game, combining pace, craft and game intelligence to outstanding effect.

He scored his first Warriors try against Cardiff Blues and landed a memorable hat-trick against reigning RaboDirect PRO12 champions Munster in Cork two weeks ago.

Hogg, who also scored a try on his Scotland debut against France during the RBS Six Nations Championship, is contracted to the club until May 2015.

A product of Hawick, his feats would doubtless have sat well with another native of the Borders town, the late Bill McLaren, in whose honour last night’s dinner was staged. Funds were raised for the Bill McLaren Foundation and Armed Forces charity Help For Heroes, via a raffle and live and silent auctions

Head coach Lineen, who along with his coaching staff decided on the award recipients, said: “Chris Fusaro and Stuart Hogg thoroughly deserve these awards for their fantastic contribution to our season so far. Both have really taken the opportunity to step up and show they have what it takes to be leading players for Glasgow Warriors and everyone at the club is excited about the potential they have to develop even further.

“It’s also fantastic that they’ve both signed long-term contracts. I’ve no doubt they’ll contribute even more strongly in the years ahead and be a real driving force in the club’s efforts to achieve success.”

Lineen himself was honoured for his nine years of service on the Warriors coaching staff, being named as the inaugural recipient of The Famous Grouse Spirit of Rugby Award, presented by one of the club’s official sponsors. Gary Mercer, who like Lineen will move on at the end of the season, was also acknowledged on the night.

The final award of the evening, try of the season, was decided by Warriors supporters via a poll on the club’s official website. Centre Peter Horne took the honours for his decisive late score in the 23-19 win over reigning European champions Leinster at the RDS last September. It was the first time the Dubliners had been beaten at home in some 29 games and almost two calendar years.

Lineen said: “Pete’s try was absolutely fantastic and a worthy winner. There was some really strong competition from Stuart Hogg, Colin Shaw and Federico Aramburu.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to give the supporters even more to get excited about, starting with what will be a hugely tough encounter against Connacht at Firhill next Saturday.”

Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: “Congratulations to Chris and Stuart on winning their respective awards.

“It was also important that we were able to thank all the players who are leaving us at the end of the season as well as to recognise Sean Lineen and Gary Mercer for the excellent work that they have done for Glasgow Warriors over many years.”