ack Iscaro only
graduated from
the University of
California in May, but now
finds himself thrown into the
midst of pre-season training
with Glasgow Warriors, in
a squad missing four to
international commitments.
Having played only 50
minutes of rugby for the
newly-formed Old Glory DC,who will join America’s Major
League Rugby (MLR) in the
New Year, the son of former
Italian front-rower Paolo
Iscaro, explained how the
move from the US Capital to
Glasgow’s west end came
about.
“I was home for about two
weeks after finishing college
and it made sense for me to
think about signing on withOld Glory, so I went to some
of their practices.
“John Manson [Scottish
Rugby’s Rugby Operations
Manager] was out there at
the time and I was looking
for somewhere to play until
January and it all went from
there really.
“I was in Italy with my family
and I just jumped at the
opportunity to learn from a
world-class programme and
world-class coaches.”
“John [Manson] and the Head
Coach at DC felt maybe that
it might be better to get some
real high-level training maybe
more so than just some
additional games.
“I’m just really lucky that
Glasgow were willing to give
me an opportunity to come
in and soak up as much as I
possibly can.”
And reflecting on his first
month training with the
likes of Rob Harley, Callum
Gibbins, Ruaridh Jackson and
Tim Swinson, the American
hooker admits it has been
tough, but he’s starting to find
his feet among the squad.
“It’s been a real whirlwind- I’m the first to admit I
probably make more mistakes
than anyone else, but I'm
working hard and trying to
learn every day.
“Everyone has been great- they’ve all helped me
massively, even in the time
I’ve been here.
“The style of play here is
really fast and expansive
and you probably can’t find
something like it without
looking at the highest levels
in the world, my goal is to
learn it from the best and be
able to play Glasgow’s brand
of rugby.
"I’m trying to come in and do
it like I’ve done it before, so
it is tough, but I’m doing my
best to learn as much as I can
from world-class players and
coaches.
“Their advice is invaluable,”
Iscaro said.
A former All-American
while at Gonzaga College,
Glasgow’s new recruit
stressed he is happy with
whatever involvement he
gets with Dave Rennie’s side
come the start of the season,
even if it is limited to just
training.
“I’m here to just learn as
much as I can,” he said.
“I was well aware that I was
going to be head under water
in terms of the skill level
and the rugby IQ and these
guys are really good athletes
they’re professionals in every
sense of the word
“I’m just doing as best I can
J
JACK’S JOY AT
GLASGOW EXPERIENCE
As part of the partnership between Old Glory DC and Scottish Rugby, hooker Jack Iscaro joined
Glasgow Warriors recently on a training contract. The 22-year-old American spoke to SCRUM about his
first few weeks with the squad at Scotstoun
112 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • ISSUE 116 2019PRO RUGBY