Scotland hooker Fraser Brown is shifting his focus to winning Challenge Cup silverware with the Glasgow Warriors after his Rugby World Cup disappointment.
The 33-year-old was left out of Gregor Townsend’s 41-man training squad for the tournament in France despite featuring in this year’s Six Nations.
Scotland’s hooker depth
Townsend opted for the likes of George Turner, Ewan Ashman, Dave Cherry and Stuart McInally instead. Ahead of the clash with Toulon, Brown spoke about being left out of the Scotland squad.
“I had a brief chat with Gregor on Tuesday morning,” Brown said.
“The depth we have across all positions is so strong that there’s going to be to’s and fro’s between who is in and who is out of the squad across the season.
“It’s just one of those things; it’s a selection decision. You move on and focus on the next thing.
“I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cups, and it is the pinnacle of your career internationally.
“Look, it’s a disappointment, but all I can do is focus on what I am doing here.”
One last game
The veteran of 61 Test caps has been handed a boost by signing a contract extension with Glasgow. He is now looking to bounce back further when his side plays Toulon in the Challenge Cup final on Friday.
“We have got one last game of the season, which is a huge game for us. All my focus is on that,” Brown added.
“We are lucky here that we have had big games at the end of the season.
“Obviously, you are disappointed when you get the news, but you do move on, and there is no better way to move on than play in a European final.”
Challenge Cup Final
After a United Rugby Championship quarter-final exit to Munster, Brown knows the Warriors will need to be at the top of their form at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
“We need to play our best game,” he said. “All season, we have been strong up front; we have had a strong maul and a strong scrum which has got even stronger as the season goes on.
“Our attack speaks for itself; we have players from 1-23 who are able to handle the ball and attack well.
“And our defence has been the foundation of absolutely everything we have done. We wouldn’t have the confidence to go out and play the attacking rugby that we do if we didn’t have the defence capabilities that we have.
“But we are going to have to bring it all. Toulon are an excellent side with some proper world-class players, and they will have done their job, previewed us, worked out how they can try and stop us.”
Brown commented on his new deal: “I’m delighted to be here for another year. Glasgow has not only been a massive part of my year but also my life and my family’s life, so to continue my 10/11-year journey is something I am very proud of.”
READ MORE: Rugby World Cup: Winners and losers from Scotland’s 41-man training squad
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