Glasgow Rugby Star on Challenges of Competing with Rangers and Celtic’s Dominance
Glasgow, a city renowned for its passion for football, is heavily dominated by two major clubs: Rangers and Celtic. These football giants are the heartbeat of Scottish football and have long been the center of the city’s sporting attention. However, in the shadows of these famous football teams lies another rising force—Glasgow Warriors, a rugby club striving to make its mark despite the football frenzy that engulfs the city.
The Rugby-Football Battle for Attention in Glasgow
The conversation around the challenges faced by Glasgow Warriors was highlighted by one of their own stars, Kyle Steyn, who candidly discussed the complexities of competing with Rangers and Celtic for the city’s attention. With the Premiership’s dominance over the city’s sporting culture, breaking through the noise can be tough for other sports teams, but Steyn believes the Warriors’ recent success, along with the family-friendly atmosphere at Scotstoun Stadium, can help attract more fans to the game of rugby.
Steyn shared these thoughts during a civic reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, celebrating the Warriors’ triumph in last season’s United Rugby Championship (URC), their second major honor in the club’s history. For Steyn and his teammates, that success is just the beginning of their mission to cement rugby as a key sporting experience in the football-mad city.
Football Culture in Glasgow: A City Obsessed with Rangers and Celtic
It’s no secret that Rangers and Celtic dominate the conversation when it comes to Glasgow’s sporting culture. The Old Firm rivalry between these two football powerhouses is known worldwide, attracting not only local fans but also international audiences. On matchdays, the city is practically painted blue and green, with loyal supporters filling the streets to cheer on their respective teams.
The strength of the football culture in Glasgow makes it particularly challenging for other sports, like rugby, to gain equal footing. Yet, rugby has steadily grown in popularity, and the Warriors have been at the forefront of that growth, continuously pushing boundaries to become a staple in the city’s sports landscape.
Warriors’ Success: A Turning Point for Glasgow Rugby
Winning the URC was a major milestone for the Glasgow Warriors. Their performance last season gave the club a much-needed boost, not only in terms of silverware but also in terms of visibility and recognition. This success presents a unique opportunity for the club to attract more fans who are looking for a fresh sporting experience outside the football bubble.
Kyle Steyn emphasized the importance of capitalizing on their achievements and creating an appealing atmosphere at Scotstoun Stadium, something different from what football fans might be accustomed to. The family-friendly nature of the matches is a key selling point, and with Friday night games returning this season, the club is hopeful that they can create a special atmosphere that will draw more eyes away from football and onto the rugby pitch.
Kyle Steyn: Rugby’s Appeal Goes Beyond Football
For Steyn, rugby offers something unique in the landscape of Glasgow sports. He acknowledges that it’s always going to be a challenge to compete with the dominance of Rangers and Celtic, but believes there’s a place for rugby—and the Warriors—in the city’s sporting identity.
“It is definitely challenging,” Steyn told The Scotsman. “It’s always going to be a big challenge in Glasgow. I think you’ve just got to accept that for what it is and try to use what we’ve done last season and the family aspect of Scotstoun as our biggest drivers.”
Steyn’s approach is pragmatic—he understands that the fan bases for Rangers and Celtic may not always overlap with those of rugby, and that’s okay. Instead, he believes that rugby can carve out its own space in the city by offering something different. The Warriors’ goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for fans of all backgrounds and interests.
“Glasgow is about people and there’s a place for everyone. Anyone’s welcome at Scotstoun,” Steyn emphasized. The family-oriented experience at Scotstoun, combined with the excitement of rugby matches, provides a sporting experience that is not only fun but also engaging for fans of all ages.
Family-Focused Environment: A Winning Formula for Rugby in Glasgow
One of the main ways the Glasgow Warriors are hoping to win over more fans is by promoting the family-friendly environment at Scotstoun Stadium. Rugby is known for being a sport that unites people from all walks of life, and Steyn and his teammates want to make sure that everyone feels welcome at their matches.
The Friday night games, in particular, are a big draw for families looking for a fun night out. Steyn believes that these games provide the best atmosphere for fans and hopes that this will encourage even more people to give rugby a chance.
“We always try to encourage that, especially the family aspect of the occasion. It’s a great day out. We’ve got our Friday nights mostly back this season, which is great again. That’s where we tend to get our best atmosphere,” Steyn explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rugby in Glasgow
While Rangers and Celtic will likely always dominate the sports landscape in Glasgow, the Glasgow Warriors are well on their way to establishing themselves as a permanent fixture in the city’s sporting scene. The success of last season’s URC win has given the team the momentum they need to continue growing their fanbase, and with Kyle Steyn and his teammates championing the inclusive, family-friendly nature of rugby, there’s hope that more people will begin to see the appeal of the sport.
As Steyn puts it, rugby is for everyone—and there’s always room for new fans at Scotstoun. With more Friday night games, an exciting team on the rise, and a welcoming environment, the Glasgow Warriors are ready to challenge the city’s football supremacy and secure their spot in Glasgow’s sporting identity.
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Glasgow Rugby Star on Challenges of Competing with Rangers and Celtic’s Dominance
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