Glasgow out to earn respect once again - Dempsey

Jack Dempsey says Glasgow Warriors are on a mission to "earn respect" all over again after falling short in their bid to retain the United Rugby Championship title last season.

Warriors were beaten at the semi-final stage by eventual champions Leinster in Dublin.

Franco Smith's side have started this season with four wins from five league matches, with Dempsey starring in a hard-earned victory over the Bulls on Friday night.

"The reality is we haven't won anything since 2024," Dempsey told BBC Scotland.

"It's not like we're three-peat champions winning every year. We're no longer defending champions, so this year's all about going back and earning respect and getting back on that big stage and big games in both comps."

Dempsey delivered a man-of-the-match display in his first competitive Warriors appearance in seven months having been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

"It did feel good to be honest," said the Scotland number eight.

"I haven't been out that long since I've been in this part of the world. No offence, this place is home for me now, but there's not a whole lot to do around here when you're not playing rugby, I've found, so it's just good to be out there with the boys.

"It was a shame about last year. One of the good things about winning a competition is having a year of being the defending champions and to miss out on a lot of those big games last year, that's what you kind of don't realise you're missing out on until you're missing out on it.

"So it's just good to be back in the saddle now and try and get a roll on."