The old adage goes that you’re only as old as you feel and Duncan Weir remains very much young at heart. 

Despite being an experienced and hugely respected member of Glasgow Warriors squad, Weir still has plenty of miles in the tank. The fly-half’s longevity in rugby can sometimes cloud perception over Weir’s age, but the 32-year-old feels compelled to set the record straight to avoid any suggestions that he’s entering his twilight years. 

“I am only 32,” a smiling Weir replies when labelled an elder statesman. “I am still in good physical shape. I came away in the summer and came back in better physical shape than ever before.

“I just want to set the record straight. There are a lot of older folk playing the game than me, albeit I started a bit earlier at 19 so maybe it seems I have been round the block a fair amount of time but yip, still young at heart so that is all that counts.”

Sat in an executive suite overlooking the sun-kissed Scotstoun stadium, Weir’s analytical brain is equally as active off the pitch. The former Scotland international speaks with a quiet authority and he’s clearly a deep-thinker when it comes to the game so close to his heart. 

Weir has already impressed with media commitments and his passage into the punditry industry will arrive naturally - if he wants it - but that stage in his career won't be in the immediate future. Jonny Sexton provides the blueprint for fly-halves aiming to extend their careers with Ireland’s all-time top scorer playing at the highest level until his retirement after the World Cup this summer at 38.

“Your body tells you when your time is rolling down,” Weir admitted. “I came in and lost a decent amount of weight over the summer and came back in good shape. I was not flagging behind in any areas, the strength and conditioning side of things. 

“I also have the hunger and determination to play rugby. Your body tells you when you can’t reach the demands of modern day pro rugby and then is the time the decision comes into your mind but I am fully determined and enjoying playing rugby and long may that continue.” 

Weir’s game management and ability to control proceedings will prove invaluable over the course of the season, especially when Glasgow want to protect leads.

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Smith’s debut season at the Warriors was successful as they reached the play-offs of the URC and the Challenge Cup final against Toulon. Weir has been impressed with Smith’s impact at Glasgow and he sees similarities to former Glasgow and current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

“We know he is a deep thinker of the game and he plans in advance,” Weird admitted. “Gregor during his time here was really good at that. Under Gregor there were times I would be chomping at the bit to get game time but he would pull me aside and say, ‘look in three weeks time you will be starting that game and I want you to be able to take your chance when it comes.’ 

“That would mean you would be buzzing about the place, training your heart out for the three weeks leading up to the game and credit to him (Gregor) you would play that game. 

“You would get that release of finally playing and so focused to have the opportunity. Gregor was a good thinker and did a bit of planning before. Franco does remind me of Gregor when he was here on that planning side of things. 

“Franco gives us a platform to go and express ourselves in the structures in which he wants us to play. It means everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet and we are not just winging it so that is what I meant with all the different plans. We cover a lot week to week and all on the same page come game day so we can just go and execute and express ourselves.” 

Weir is currently understudy to first-choice fly-half Tom Jordan. The New Zealander has developed exponentially across the last 12 months and he’s enjoyed an impressive start of the season. Weir is full of admiration for this teammate’s skillset but he’s determined to capitalise on his opportunities to stake his starting claim to Smith. 

“Tom is a very good athlete,” Weir declared. “You can see how strong he is around the contact area. He has some feet on him (thank fuck or he would fall over) and he is really good. He can also see the game. He has played a lot of rugby at 12 so he can read the game really well. When you play 12 you are outside the ten channel so you have a wee bit more time and space to scan and see things. 

“When you move to ten it is about the centres reading those pictures and he is comfortable in there and has played really well for us. It is great having that level of competition you know you are up against in the squad and when you get your turn it is just about taking every opportunity and enjoying it. I have been in this position before when I have had competition in my position and you have to just stay patient and work hard and I feel I have been doing that and that is all I can do.”