Glasgow Warriors | Kuenzle embraces Glasgow opportunity
Share

Next article
Previous article
Got an opinion?
Discuss this article in the comments section or register with the glasgowwarriors.com forum.

Search this site

August 20, 2026

Kuenzle embraces Glasgow opportunity

Posted by Editor on August 20, 2026 10:26 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Bayley Kuenzle says he'll play wherever he's needed
Bayley Kuenzle insists he is ready to play wherever needed as the versatile Australian settles into life with Glasgow Warriors.

The 28-year-old has been described by Glasgow as a 'Swiss Army Knife' due to his ability to operate across the backline.

Kuenzle began his Super Rugby career at fly-half with the Brumbies before featuring mainly at centre and wing for Western Force. While he admits inside centre is his preferred position, he is happy to fill any role for Franco Smith.

"Wherever I'm needed," Kuenzle told Scotland Rugby News. "But I do prefer playing a bit of 12. I obviously started my career, my Super Rugby career, at 10. And I've obviously got that body that can go anywhere.

"But to be fair, if I'm out in the field, I'm grateful. And to be able to do a job would be what I need to do at the end of the day. I'm just here for an opportunity. And if I play good rugby, it'll take care of itself. But wherever Franco wants me, I'll put my hand up for him."

Kuenzle has been working closely with Glasgow backs coach Nigel Carolan as he learns the different roles he could be asked to perform.

"I'm speaking to Nigel, the backs coach. He obviously knows that I'm quite versatile and I need to get over my roles in certain positions. But I've been training a bit in the midfield the last couple of weeks, which has been nice. But as I said, I'm pretty happy to do a job wherever that is and to fill a spot.

"I like attacking rugby. I like taking the line on, getting the ball in hand. I really pride myself on my skills, my skill set, my catch pass and my kicking game. I also try to bring some physicality wherever I can."

Kuenzle's move from Australia had been expected for several weeks before being confirmed, and he says Glasgow's recent success and the culture established by Smith made the decision straightforward.

"Franco didn't really sell too much, obviously the results take care of itself," he admitted. "And obviously you can see that it's a great club and a great culture that he's got going. And being in a couple of weeks now, he's really set the tone and it's quite easy to get on board with what he wants. And it's easy to follow and it's great.

"With all the young boys coming through, you can tell that something must be building here and it's going to stay for a while."

It is Kuenzle's first experience of Scotland, with his partner joining him for the move to Glasgow.

"My partner actually came over with me, which I'm grateful for," he added. "But she actually moved to Perth at the start of the year. And then when I got the opportunity to come over here, I was like, 'oh, I might be moving to Scotland'. But she was all aboard and I was grateful for that.

"Yeah, she must like me. I'm grateful for that. But, yeah, it's been part of life, I guess. And part of being a rugby player, you're not sure where you're going to be and where you're going to end up in a couple of years. So I'm just grateful to be here and a great club. So I'm looking forward to the opportunity."