Alex Gordon writes

Wednesday 4th September
Munster forward gives Hawks some food for thought
When Garryowen prop, Brendan Cullinane, decided to study for an MSc at Glasgow Caledonian University, he turned to Munster Under-19 Head Coach, Greig Oliver, for advice. The former Scottish international scrum-half, who was part of that select band of rugby players who played in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup, didn’t hesitate to recommend Glasgow Hawks and their coaching team.
“Greig knew Jimmy (Sinclair) and Jamie (Dempsey) and sang their praises very highly. When I started pre-season I knew I had made the right choice. This was just emphasised when we had our first away trip to Caldy, the team spirit was great and I just felt at home.”
Brendan was part of Garryowen’s team last season , when the “Boys in Blue” finished runner’s up in the All Ireland League to Dublin’s Lansdowne and he is keen to go one better with Glasgow Hawks.
”Although I’m here for my studies, I’m pleased I can commit to playing for at least the next two seasons whilst I complete my MSc. Getting to play at the top level in Scotland is a bonus I didn’t expect when I applied to Glasgow Caley and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Having represented Munster through the age groups the prop was unlucky with an injury which stopped him moving into an “apprentice” position, but is keen that this won’t stop him pursuing a possible career in sport.
“My MSc is in Dietetics and I hope, after a gaining suitable experience, I can specialise in Sports diet. I have a year of class based study followed with a year of practical placement ahead of me. But, I have had discussions with the coaches about working on preparing diet plans for the Hawks squad to see if it can help with the boys performance.”
When asked about the challenges involved in dealing with the scourge of West of Scotland diet, he just gave a wry smile and laughed. “We’re not so different the Scots and the Irish…”

This article was originally posted on 4-Sep-2013, 14:02 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 4-Sep-2013, 14:03.