Interview: Angus Macdonald, Glasgow’s new All Black

GLASGOW’S new All Black Angus Macdonald has enjoyed his first week in Scotland as a long-imagined homecoming, but insisted that he was not here for a holiday.

The 31-year-old is one of six new signings to fly into Glasgow this summer and after four years in Japan he explained the twin draws to Scottish rugby – the opportunity to play in the Heineken Cup and to find out more about his heritage.

“For my whole career I’ve been called ‘Scottish’,” he said, laughing, “but I’m from Whangarei and not Scottish at all!

“But I’ve always wanted to find out where my name comes from and learn about Scotland. My parents and grandparents are New Zealanders, but they tell me we have ancestors in Ross-shire and that that’s where the Macdonalds come from, so they’re hoping I can make a connection here.

“But, really, I’m here for the rugby. I have spoken to mates, like Doug Howlett at Munster and Sam Tuitupou at Sale, and a few others who can’t say enough about the Heineken Cup. When Glasgow came in for me I thought this was a perfect fit.” An easygoing, amiable character, Macdonald was having a ball with the squad yesterday at Cartha Queen’s Park’s Dumbreck ground. The club on the south side of Glasgow has been at the forefront of developing rugby in the community and it chimes with a new push by Glasgow Warriors and the SRU to improve the pro team’s profile at grassroots level.

The club was asked if a couple of players could attend a fun day with over 100 children from schools across the city that deal with autism but instead new coach Gregor Townsend decided to bring the whole squad. They worked with the children in skills sessions and games before chatting and signing autographs, and then going into a full session of their own.

Tommy Hendry, 7, and Cameron Jackson, 11, from Toryglen Autism Unit spoke of now wanting to see Glasgow play games, and Bryce Edgar has gone a step further, starting out last year with the rugby autism programme run by Glasgow Life/Warriors Development Officer Ross Aitken and now playing for the Cartha minis. He also persuaded his mother Gillian to coach the P1-3s.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Macdonald. “We have a job to do to make Glasgow part of the community.

“It’s fantastic to be with the kids and have a bit of fun, especially at the end of a tough first week of pre-season.

“I only got here on Saturday and there’s been a lot of fun and getting to know each other – they’re a great bunch of guys with no egos which is cool – but I think a few of them would rather play games with the kids than start training.”

Macdonald made his debut for New Zealand on the 2005 tour of Britain and Ireland, making his first appearance with 15 minutes left against Wales and then as a blindside flanker against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The New Zealand Rugby Museum report on Macdonald reads: “In many ways Macdonald was a victim of his own versatility, for he was very much a utility forward, rather in the mould of the Canterbury player of the 1980s and early 90s, Andy Earl. As well as lock, and as a flanker on either side of the scrum, Macdonald was able to play at No 8 and did so for New Zealand Maori in the celebrated win over the British Lions at Hamilton in 2005.”

That is what appealed to Glasgow’s former coach Sean Lineen, the ability to slot in anywhere in the back five, and bring experience and leadership to the squad.

The son of All Black lock Hamish, who won 12 caps between 1972 and 1976, Angus won the Super 12 with the Blues in 2003, moving in to lock alongside Ali Williams in the final win over the Crusaders, and also claimed a handful of NPC and Ranfurly Shield victories.

But after making the breakthrough with the All Blacks on that 2005 tour, injuries disrupted his career in 2006 and by the time of his return in 2007 he had fallen down the All Black pecking order. When an offer to play in Japan came along at the end of 2007 he took it and he has spent the past four years with Coca Cola West Red Sparks.

The 31-year-old’s season in Japan finished in February, but the SRU arranged for the flanker and his fellow new Warriors back row, Viliami Ma’afu, to undertake training in Auckland for the past eight weeks along with new Edinburgh signing Ben Atiga. .

Macdonald said: “Gregor came and spoke to us about five weeks ago in Auckland and when we left the meeting we were really buzzing, excited about what we could achieve here.

“I have enjoyed my career and the caps and tour I had, and I don’t have regrets, but it’s not over for me. As a player you’re always wanting to perform well, to win games and win championships, and that is what Glasgow want. Gregor outlined his vision for the club and it is really exciting so we just can’t wait to get going.”

Having already been given a nod to wrap up his interview and join the squad heading back to Cartha’s training park, the new boy was not about to hang around. Townsend has already left his mark on the players this week with the whole squad paying with a double session for one player’s tardiness. The new head coach also met with around 200 supporters on Wednesday night to begin to ease tensions over his decision to replace the popular Lineen.