Glasgow Warriors | Jordan looks back at "unreal" experience
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November 04, 2024

Jordan looks back at "unreal" experience

Posted by Editor on November 4, 2024 07:17 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Tom Jordan impressed when filling in at full-back
Glasgow's Tom Jordan made his Scotland debut in the 57-17 win over Fiji at the weekend - a situation he says wasn't part of the plan when he arrived from New Zealand five years ago.

Jordan came over in 2019 to play dome rugby and see another part of the world and five years later, via Ayrshire Bulls and Glasgow Warriors, he's made his Test debut as a first-half substitute for the injured Kyle Rowe. The fly-half/centre filled in at full-back and made a big impression in attack and defence.

Watched by his dad who had jetted in especially from New Zealand to attend the match, Jordan - who qualifies for Scotland on residency grounds - told the Scotsman: "It was unreal. All the boys have just been so welcoming and you know they've got a great set up there with the Scotland staff that Gregor has built up over the last couple of years.

"So to come into that and just experience it all has been brilliant and then Saturday was huge as well. Coming in on the bus, like I've been a fan before coming to the game, but to come in on the bus and see all the fans showing so much pride about Scotland and everything was unreal.

"I walked off the bus first and it was a pretty overwhelming feeling just seeing everyone there to support us. Coming out and singing the anthem as well, it was awesome. The atmosphere was crazy and obviously I'm never going to forget it. It was an unbelievable day and I'm just really proud."

Jordan says the timing of his appearance on the pitch helped as he had little time to think about playing out of position. "I think it probably helped out because I wasn't really expecting it and then all of a sudden they were like you're on," he explained. "So it kind of washed away the nerves of me thinking I might go on. So it was good to get chucked in at the deep end and just rip straight in. And obviously the boys had set a good foundation pretty early on.

"Because it kind of got sprung on me a bit late I didn't really have time to be too nervous and then we're defending our line. So it was just like right, I just need to do my job here and just get stuck in.

"So it was obviously a great feeling. I heard the announcer say my name and people cheered. So it was pretty cool there, but I think in terms of the situation, it was more like right, we need to try to stop the scoring.

"It was half-time where it more sort of sunk in I'd say, and then more now and after seeing my family. It's all quite fresh still, but I think when I look back, maybe after the autumn, I'll see a lot has happened in a few years.

"You try to be the best at everything and it's been like a slow progression, but you know, it was always my ambition to be a professional rugby player and do it full-time as a job. And I think I'm just really grateful for that. And to be at Glasgow and do that is great.

"When you get given the opportunity to play regularly and do that and be around a great group of boys, which we have at Glasgow, you give yourself the opportunity to be selected for higher honours and push yourself against the best players in the world.

"Anyone in any career is going to have that dream to be the best that they can at whatever their career is. Everyone's got that mindset for sure.

"I was just coming over to gain a bit more rugby experience while New Zealand was in the off-season. Gain some more experience and look to go back. But then, obviously I just fell in love with it over here. Just the opportunities and the people I met.

"I had some friends who were all over the UK. They made the trip up and those were the guys who I first met when I came over. I've really created lifelong friends, had so much overwhelming support from when I was selected in the squad and then named in the team. So, you know, I'd say this is home away from home really and I've got so many friends and everything now up here and I think it's just sort of how it's developed.

"I came over in 2019, five years ago pretty much on the dot. I'd just come over to experience a bit more rugby and develop my game more. And then, like I said, when I came over to Ayr to start, I fell in love with the culture up here and gained some lifelong friends as well. I just stuck with it."

With injury doubts about Darcy Graham and Rowe, Jordan could feature against South Africa next Sunday. "Honestly, I think it's pretty hard for me to say," said Jordan on his prospects of facing South Africa. "I think being involved this week was amazing and like I said, I'm going to remember it and cherish it forever. But I think it's just about putting my best foot forward every time I get an opportunity and just give my all.

"Regardless if I'm selected or not, I'm going to do my best to prepare the team because we've got a huge game. So regardless of what my role is, I'm just going to do it. Whatever my role is, if that's preparing the team or if I'm involved, I'm just going to give my all."