This year Glasgow have graduated to the Heineken Cup and the November issue of Rugby World has turned it's spotlight on key players from teams representing the home countries.
Gavin Mortimer talked to Glasgow's flanker/No 8 and captain Jon Petrie. JP isn't worried by the so called group of death for Glasgow and even suggests that the draw is perfect for them. "There's absolutely no pressure on us whatsoever because no one expects us to win."
Glasgow are up against three of the strongest teams in the competition and few give them a chance. Personally, Jon says he can't wait for it all to begin. He is excited at the prospect at playing on the big stage in three of the best venues for rugby in Europe and against three great sides.
Glasgow's Heineken Cup past has been nothing to shout about. In their five previous outings in the cup they have never made it through to the quarter final stage.
When asked what made him think things will be different this year? Jon answers optimistically. "We have a stronger squad. We have a core of experienced players (Jon, Kenny Logan and Gordon Bulloch) but we also have a lot of younger players who've come through in the last couple of seasons, and are gaining more experience with every game."
Jon does admit there is a lack of strength in depth but is hopeful that some of even younger players will step up to the challenge. These Glasgow young guns include prop Andrew Kelly, hooker Scott Lawson, flanker Donnie Macfadyen, centre Graeme Morrison and winger Sean Lamont.
Mentioning Morrison in particular Jon says: "He's got real physical presence but he's also very quick with a great step." Jon commends him on gaining his first Scotland cap earlier this year while on the tour to Australia, all in his first season as a professional. Playing in the centre alongside Andrew Henderson "it's a strong partnership".
Jon is a loyal servant to Glasgow was rewarded with the captaincy this season, a sign of his commitment to the club. "I enjoy living and playing here," he says. "Yes, it's been frustrating, because on occasions we've produced great performances and at other times we haven't. With consistency, we have the potential to do well."
As flanker Jon has the opportunity to pit himself against some of the world's best back-row forwards during the Heineken Cup : Lianelli's Scott Quinnell, Toulouse's Christian Labit and Northampton captain and Springbok Corne Krige.
"I'm looking forward to playing against Corne again," says Jon. "I came up against him playing for Scotland against South Africa. He's a hard man and a good player."
Jon has been capped 31 times for Scotland but has started only 14 of those matches. It's been a frustrating time for him keeping the bench warm. "I have two aims this season," he says. "I want to play consistently well for Glasgow and I want to cement my place in the Scotland side. It's been a difficult year for Scotland; we lost so many experienced players after the World Cup that we had to bring in a lot of young guys. The Six Nations whitewash was terrible, but in Australia in the summer we saw the first signs of what we can do. We didn't get the results but we showed in spells that we are a good side."
When the conversation turns to the Lions, Mortimer feels Jon speaks with unusual candour and an endearing self-deprecation. "I'm not expecting anything with the Lions. There are a lot of guys ahead of me."
The Heineken Cup campaign curtain raiser for the Warriors is against Northampton Saints at Hughenden on Sunday October 24 (ko 1.00pm). The following week they make the journey over to France to meet last season's runner-up Toulouse. In Mortimer's words Glasgow should 'get stuffed'. But Toulouse are traditionally slow starters in the Heineken Cup illustrated by their defeat at the hands of Edinburgh last season, one of the biggest shocks in the competitions history. "Yes," says Jon, "they did lose to Edinburgh in the first game but it was in Scotland. We'll be going to Toulouse fully expecting to meet them at their very best."
Jon spent a season in France in 1997, playing for Colomiers, so no French team holds any fear for him. In fact reports Mortimer; nothing holds much fear for Jon. Only failure caused by underachievement. And as Glasgow captain he's itching to ensure that doesn't happen.
"On paper we're always had a strong side but we haven't got the results," he says. "I want to get the results."