Glasgow Warriors manager Franco Smith has praised the recent success of Scottish rugby and says it is a result of hard work put in behind the scenes.
The Warriors are preparing for Friday night’s Challenge Cup Grand Final where they will play French side Toulon in Dublin.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, he said: “I definitely feel there’s been a lot of work put into Scottish rugby the last few years, the way that the national team has grown over the past seven or eight years with Gregor at the helm there and the quality of the players and how the product has been developed has been noticeable.
“So for us now, and for the Scottish rugby environment I think this has been a reward for all the hard work and some of the money spent and effort put in they are reaping some rewards.
“So I think it comes down a longer process, and I am proud to be part of it.”
The South African coach, who previously managed the Italy national team, admits his side will be going into the game at Aviva stadium as underdogs due to the big game experience of their opponents.
He continued: “They must be the favourites, this is their fifth final, the players they bring into the club have always played at a high level, World Cup winners, they definitely have a lot of experience and I think that goes without saying.
“So I appreciate that they are definitely the favourites and I think they will know the environment a lot better than us, but we get to learn.”
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