The prop is set for his first start of the season as Cardiff calls and is keen to bring the Warriors back to life after losing to Benetton in Italy in the season opener.
Fagerson, 26, has worked hard in pre-season after feeling sluggish at times last year and has also lost weight to quicken his pace again for a big campaign with the Rugby World Cup looming right after.
“I think I had a little hangover from that [Lions] Tour last year and didn’t really have much pre-season at the start of last season,” he explained. “As the season progressed, I had little problems here and there and didn’t feel like jumping around like I used to.
“It could be the age, it could be the weight, so I fixed what I could fix and I feel a lot better about it. I dropped a few barrels. I hope it’s going to be a big year so I’m doing everything I can to be in the best possible shape.
“I just feel the game going, with more collisions, more jerks and more carries – I like having my hands on the ball, I’m proud of that – so if I can shift a few kilos it means I can get more carries, more tackles and just hop around the park a little more to make my life a lot easier.”
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Duncan Weir calls for more assertiveness from Glasgow Warriors as a wait of almost six months means…
Glasgow’s dismal end to last season prompted a change in coaching, with Franco Smith replacing Danny Wilson, and the South African has instituted a harsh regime of early starts and grueling pre-season training sessions. Fagerson hopes it can help the Warriors rediscover some of their panache.
“My first impression of Franco is that he is an honest man and he wants the guys to work hard,” said the player. “He knows exactly what he wants and makes sure to let you know. So if he doesn’t like it 100 percent, he’ll give you both barrels. I enjoy this attention to detail.”
Fagerson came off the bench against Benetton and scored a good try, but it wasn’t enough and the visitors went down 33-11. The result means Glasgow have now lost six in a row since last season, but Fagerson is keen to say they have turned the tide.
“We had some tough talks at the end of last season. We weren’t fit enough, which is what we addressed. We sorted that out and we’re a completely different team in that regard. It was the first game and we were a bit rusty to be honest, but it’s nothing we can’t fix.
“Like I said, the pre-season was really tough. The lads came back in good shape, building on the solid foundations they laid in the off-season and we’re in a much better shape this season than we were last.
“We’re a side who want to throw the ball around, it’s in Glasgow’s DNA. If we are fitter, we can do it.”
