‘I feel like the Pro14 is looked down on sometimes’ - Ali Price says Glasgow Warriors have a point to prove

In terms of representation, the Pro14 shares equal billing with the English Premiership and French Top 14 in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Ali Price expects a tough test against Exeter on Sunday. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

Each league supplies eight teams to Europe’s elite club competition.

However, in terms of perception, the Pro14 remains the poor relation, according to Glasgow Warriors’ Ali Price who feels they don’t get the respect they deserve from English clubs.

A win for the Warriors over European champions Exeter Chiefs on Sunday would change all that, although Price is under no illusions about how tough it will be.

Jonny Gray tackles Stuart Hogg during last season's Champions Cup draw between Glasgow and Exeter. Gray has since joined Hogg at Exeter. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

“I feel like the Pro14 is looked down on sometimes,” said the Scotland scrum-half. “The Champions Cup is a great way to show where your team is at. You go down to the Premiership teams and I feel that sometimes they underestimate the Celtic sides.

“This is a step up from league rugby and it’s the best players going at it. That brings an added edge as the quality of rugby is right up there.

“Nobody likes being written off. Everyone has a point to prove.”

Glasgow have already shown they can match the best, having drawn 31-31 with Exeter at Scotstoun last season. It wasn’t enough to stop the Chiefs winning the group but the Warriors did have the consolation of being the only side not to lose to the Devon club during their triumphant campaign.

Glasgow and Exeter have met six times in Europe and the Scottish side hold the edge, with three wins to two. However, the Chiefs have been transformed in recent seasons and their status as champions of England and Europe has been well earned.

“Starting your Champions Cup campaign at Sandy Park when they’ve just lifted the trophy – there isn’t a bigger challenge,” acknowledged Price. “We couldn’t really have had it any tougher.”

Glasgow are boosted by the return of their Scottish international contingent but so too, intriguingly, are Exeter. The tartan enclave at Sandy Park is now four-strong and comprises former Glasgow pair Stuart Hogg and Jonny Gray and the two Sams, Hidalgo-Clyne and Skinner.

It adds bite to Sunday but Price is aware the Chiefs have more in their armoury.

“The Scottish guys they have are brilliant players. But it’s not just the four of them. They have international quality right through their side, guys who play for England and some who aren’t selected for England but who could easily be in most international squads. So they have threats all over the field.”

Glasgow have struggled without their Scotland players, and six defeats in eight Pro14 fixtures has left them second bottom of Conference A. The Champions Cup offers respite from their league struggles but Price knows they need to turn their form around.

“Some of the results haven’t been acceptable,” he said. “We’ve openly spoken about that this week with everyone coming back. Regardless of who's been on the field it’s not been acceptable. We hold ourselves to a standard that’s not been met.

“We don’t need other people telling us that we’ve got off to the worst start for however many years and that we’re not performing. The boys in the room know. And we’ll be looking to turn it around and get some momentum going to kick start the season in a new competition.”

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