After four-and-a-half years as Managing Director, today is my last formal day in the role. It's hard to put into words what this club means to me. Leading Glasgow Warriors has been one of the greatest honours of my professional life, and my family and I will always treasure the memories we've made along the way.

First and foremost, I want to say thank you.

To our supporters, whether you've sat in your seat at Scotstoun for years, travelled the length of Europe to follow us, or shouted us on from afar, you are the heartbeat of this club. The colour, the noise, the passion... there's nothing like a Scotstoun matchday when the Warrior Nation is in full voice. That bond between the players and the fans is special, and it has been a privilege to see it up close.

One of the things I'm most proud of during my time here is what we've achieved together, not just on the pitch but off it. The "Fighting For Our Families" campaign is a perfect example of what Glasgow Warriors stands for. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, sponsors, and community clubs, we raised more than 53,000 pounds in its first year and over 100,000 pounds in its second. Those funds have made a real difference to families across Glasgow and the west, and it shows what we can achieve when this club and its community pull together.

Another moment that will stay with me forever was last year's 1872 Cup fixture at Hampden Park. It was a huge undertaking, and I can't thank our staff enough for the effort and dedication that went into making it happen. To see over 27,500 of you filling one of Scotland's most iconic stadiums, creating a sea of black and blue, was incredible. That fixture has so much potential, and I'm excited to watch it grow into an even bigger celebration of rugby in the years ahead.

I also want to acknowledge our commercial partners. Over the past four-and-a-half years, we've grown those partnerships to record levels, and your support has been vital to everything we've achieved. To every sponsor, hospitality partner, and stakeholder, thank you for believing in what we're building here. To the players, coaches, and staff, thank you. People make places and nowhere is that truer than at Scotstoun. I've been fortunate to work with an exceptional group of people who care deeply about this club and what it stands for.

On the pitch, I couldn't be prouder of this squad. They're not just talented rugby players they're outstanding people. Bringing Franco Smith to Glasgow was one of the most important decisions we made, and his impact has been transformational. The standards he and his coaching team have driven, culminating in last season's United Rugby Championship title, have been nothing short of exceptional.

Special mention must go to our captain, Kyle Steyn. His leadership, resilience, and example on and off the pitch have been immense. Kyle embodies what it means to be a Warrior, and I have no doubt he'll continue to lead this group with distinction.

Behind the scenes, I've been lucky to work with an incredible staff team who make everything possible from matchdays to community programmes to player development. Kenny Brown now steps into the role of Interim Managing Director, and I couldn't be leaving the club in better hands. Kenny knows this place inside out, he cares deeply about its people, and I'm confident he'll continue to drive Glasgow Warriors forward.

Stepping away from this role is far from easy, but I'm hugely excited about the next chapter as Scottish Rugby's Head of Performance Pathways. Under David Nucifora's leadership, we've put a new structure in place with more resource than ever focused on developing players, and part of my job will be making sure we use that resource in the right way.

Every interaction, every touchpoint we have with a young player has to matter. To get this right, everyone in the pathway system has a role to play, from academies and regional programmes to community clubs, schools, parents, and volunteers.

I want players and their families to have a clear understanding of what a journey through our pathway looks like where the opportunities lie, what's expected, and how we'll support them every step of the way. The reality is that not every player will make it to the top level, but I want Scottish Rugby to be world-leading in providing dual paths that give young people the tools and opportunities to succeed, both on and off the field.

Looking back, I'm proud of what we've achieved together at Glasgow Warriors. We've reconnected with our supporters after a difficult COVID period, grown commercially, delivered unforgettable nights at Scotstoun and beyond, and deepened our roots in the community. Most importantly, I believe we've strengthened what it means to be a Warrior, a club built on hard work, togetherness, and ambition.

Glasgow Warriors will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll be cheering you on from the stands whenever I can, and I can't wait to see where this club goes next.

Thank you for your passion, your support, and your belief. It's been an honour and a privilege to lead this club I love.

For one final time: