First year makes the difference for Frisby

Twelve months on from his arrival in the west of Scotland, Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Nick Frisby believes he has found his feet with the club.

The five-times Australia cap linked up with Dave Rennie’s squad last summer, following a six-month stint with Bordeaux-Begles in France’s Top14.

Yet the former Queensland Red admits he’s feeling more comfortable with a season at Scotstoun under his belt, as preparations continue for Glasgow’s pre-season double-header with Ulster.

“It’s massively different for me this year, actually,” said Frisby.

“Last year I was brand new, so I spent a lot of time getting to know all of the boys and familiarising myself with the game we want to play.

“This year’s a lot different – everything’s obviously that bit more familiar, so I can focus a bit more on my training and getting my work done. It’s been a good pre-season so far, so
we’re building nicely.”

The man from Brisbane is also noticing a difference to his own game, highlighting one improvement in particular over his twelve months in Glasgow.

“The biggest change I’ve made in the last year has definitely been around my fitness,” explained Frisby.

“Everyone knows that we like to run the ball and play at a high tempo – we back our skills and to be able to do that you have to be super fit. For me, I was coming off six months in France
where the attitude is almost exactly the opposite – you kick the ball to touch and there are a lot of scrums and line-outs.

“I was probably a bit off the pace when I came over, but I’ve made a lot of changes in the right direction.

“I’ve still got a long way to go to catch George Horne though – I’ve never seen anything like him!”

With Horne and Ali Price amongst the Glasgow contingent challenging for a place in the Scotland squad for the Rugby World Cup, Frisby enters the new season as one of the club’s most experienced
number nines. Yet the challenge of stepping up to the plate is one that Frisby – like his team-mates – is enjoying to its fullest.

“It’s a different vibe when the international guys are away,” admitted the scrum-half.

“We had a similar situation when they were away for the 6 Nations, and it was incredibly satisfying to get those results when they were away. It turned out to be a hugely important part
of our season, which made it all the more satisfying.

“We’ve got the same mindset again this season – we’ve got a lot of young boys that are going to have to step up, and the guys that have been here and done it before will have to step up
and lead.

“We always say that the expectation to step up and perform is the same no matter who’s playing.”

As he enters his second season in Scotland’s largest city, however, there is one aspect of Glasgow life that the Australian is still struggling to come to terms with.

“I still haven’t got used to the Glasgow weather!” laughed Frisby.

“All the rain and darkness – it’s not quite sunny Brisbane!

“We love it over here though. All the players and their partners have made us feel so welcome ever since we arrived, and it’s been a great year.”

Click here to secure your tickets for the visit of Ulster on Saturday 14 September