Glasgow Warriors lock enjoying more opportunities and opens up on uplifting Franco Smith

Glasgow Warriors lock Jare Oguntibeju is enjoying having more regular first team opportunities at Scotstoun this season.

The towering second rower has had to step up for Franco Smith’s side following a string of injuries that hit the team hard in the engine room. Scotland internationals Scott Cummings, Alex Craig, Max Williamson and Gregor Brown are all currently out and that has seen an increase in minutes for the former Ealing Trailfinders player.

The 6ft 8in South African-born Scotsman is now looking to reward the faith shown in him by Smith ahead of their final regular season URC match away to Ulster this weekend and then into the play-offs. Oguntibeju also praised the key role that the South African has played in developing him as a player.

“His mantra is be brave” - Glasgow Warriors lock on Franco Smith’s coaching style

He said: “I think last year I played nine times, right now I'm on 14. So if you look at that, I've had more playing opportunities.

“Knowing me, knowing myself, I probably have higher standards for myself. So I probably haven't played as best as I'd want to, but that's just the reality of life. I'm happy for the opportunities and I'll just get my head down for the rest of the season and try and play as best as I can.

“I think it was the same as last season [injuries to others]. I played as much as I did last season because there was a bit of a second row injury. It's not something I'm not used to, it happened last year. I'm just always here for the team to do whatever I need to do."

On Smith, he added: “I think Franco is all about progression. Last year, when I was coming through, I was playing the number four role. This year, he's kind of progressed me into being able to learn the five role and adding line-out calling to my game.

“His mantra is be brave. You know you can go out there and just do your own, play your own game. You're never worried about having to get it wrong, you just go out there and do it. You know you have coaches and a whole team backing you."

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