Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has issued a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters following a disappointing 33-7 defeat to Benetton in Treviso. The loss dealt a significant blow to the Warriors’ ambitions in the United Rugby Championship (URC) as they continue to fight for a top-four finish.
Benetton dominated the match from the outset, scoring five tries and controlling territory and possession throughout. Glasgow, plagued by unforced errors and disrupted rhythm due to injuries, struggled to gain any real foothold in the contest. Their only score came from centre Huw Jones late in the second half, a small consolation in what was otherwise a frustrating evening for the Scottish side.
Speaking after the game, Smith did not shy away from the disappointment but focused instead on the long-term journey of the team. In a message that resonated with fans, he praised the travelling support and acknowledged their loyalty during challenging times.
“We’re hurting after this result, as are the fans,” Smith said. “But I want to thank everyone who made the trip to Treviso and everyone watching back home. Your support means everything to this group of players. We know we didn’t perform to our standards tonight, but we are committed to learning and improving.”
Smith pointed to the injuries suffered during the match — notably to lock Max Williamson and hooker Johnny Matthews — as pivotal moments that affected the team’s cohesion. However, he refused to use them as excuses, instead turning attention to what must be done going forward.
“This result doesn’t define us,” he continued. “Every setback is a chance to grow. We’ve faced adversity this season and come through stronger. That’s what we’ll do again.”
The defeat marked Glasgow’s third in four games, casting doubt over their hopes of securing a home semi-final in the play-offs. With just a handful of regular-season matches remaining, Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining belief and unity within the squad and among the fanbase.
“There’s a lot still to play for,” he said. “We need to stay focused, work hard, and keep pushing. The fans have been incredible all season, and we owe it to them to finish strong.”
Glasgow Warriors will now regroup and prepare for their upcoming fixture with a renewed determination. As the URC season nears its conclusion, Smith’s leadership and the squad’s resilience will be tested – but with the backing of their passionate supporters, the Warriors aim to bounce back quickly and reignite their campaign.
