Inverness and Glasgow Warriors rugby player Jamie Dobie set to play in New Zealand for Bay of Plenty
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Jamie Dobie has made a short-term move to New Zealand, where he will play in the National Provincial Championship with Bay of Plenty.
The Inverness-born Glasgow Warrior scrum half has taken the chance of a temporary move to gain valuable match experience.
He will be competing in the top club competition in New Zealand for a side who finished bottom of the top tier last season, but who will be expecting better in the Odds Conference in 2022.
The season begins on Friday, August 5, and Dobie’s first appearance for the side could come two days later away at Wellington on Sunday, August 7 at Sky Stadium.
The loan sees the relationship between Bay of Plenty and Glasgow strengthened, after Cole Forbes and Hugh Blake also represented both teams.
However, it does put Dobie’s involvement in Glasgow Warriors’ pre-season friendly against Worcester Warriors at the Caledonian Stadium in Inverness in doubt, with that showcase scheduled for Friday, September 2.
He is due to return to Scotstoun for the start of the URC campaign, but it is unclear exactly how the timelines will work out for Dobie to get his Highland homecoming.
“I’m buzzing to get the chance to experience a new environment and playing style with Bay of Plenty,” 21-year-old Dobie told the Glasgow Warriors’ website.
“Chances like these don’t come up very often and it was a no-brainer when Glasgow and Scotland suggested I spend the summer in New Zealand.
“I’ve only ever been involved in the Scottish Rugby pathway.
“So to have the chance to head over to experience a new culture, new ideas new ideas and a different approach to the game whilst growing my skill set is very exciting.
“I’m looking forward to getting some game time over the summer – which I believe will help me massively and allow me to hit the ground running when I get back for the URC season.”
Glasgow Warriors attack coach, Nigel Carolan, added: “It’s great for young players like Jamie to get experiences like this.
“The NPC is a quality league and will expose Jamie to a new style of rugby, allow him to grow his game and experience playing rugby in a different environment.
“We will be keeping a close eye on his progress and look forward to welcoming him back for our upcoming campaign.”
