Kevin Bryce

Kevin Bryce (born 7 September 1988) is a Scottish Rugby Union player who regularly plays as Hooker, but previously played flanker at age grade level. He currently plays for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12 competition and the European Rugby Champions Cup, making his debut on 23 February 2014 against the Newport Gwent Dragons during the 62nd minute.^[1]

Career

Bryce has only been playing professional rugby since February 2014, but has been involved in a professional set-up since the beginning of the 2013–14 season. He did initially join the Warriors on a short-term basis in February 2013 due to the loss of frontline hookers to international duty and injury, but was unable to earn a cap.^[2] Before professional club rugby union, Bryce played for Heriot's Rugby Club in the Scottish Premiership, still representing them between the odd cap for Glasgow.

Kevin had played for Scotland at various age grade level. In 2006, he represented Scotland U18's, before representing Scotland U19's in 2007. During 2007, Bryce was part of the Scotland Under 19's team that went to the 2007 Under 19 Rugby World Championship in Ireland, in which Bryce played every match.^[3] In a warm-up match against Italy U19 for the Under 19 Championship, Bryce captained the side from the Openside, in which Scotland U19's lost 19–13.^[4][5] Following the Championship, Bryce was named the recipient for the John Macphail Scholarship for the 2007 season.^[6] The Scholarship will allow Bryce to develop his skills and play club rugby in Auckland, New Zealand, alongside experienced All Black players. Former plays to gain the scholarship include, John Barclay and Sevens player Graham Hogg.

In 2013, while playing for Heriot's, Bryce was selected for the winning Scotland Club XV side that beat an Ireland Club XV side 30–18 to reclaim the Dalriada Cup for the first time since 2009. He was one of 17 uncapped players in the squad, with Bryce making his appearance of the bench. Bryce was benched for the match against the France Club XV side, in which the Scottish side lost 44–10.^[7]

In May 2013, Bryce signed a one-year contract with Glasgow Warriors, for the 2013–14 season. However, in December 2013, Bryce joined English club London Irish on loan to cover the international capped player, David Paice.^[8] However, Bryce did not play any games for London Irish.

In January 2014, Bryce played for the Scotland A side against the England Saxons at Scotstoun Stadium.^[9] Bryce came of the bench on the 73rd minute, to play for his fourth Scottish national team - Scotland A drew 16–16 with the Saxons.^[10] In March 2014, after earning his first professional cap, Bryce signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors, extending his stay at the Scotstoun until May 2016.^[11] On 20 May 2014, Kevin Bryce was one of six uncapped players named in the 43-man dual-squad, for the Scottish national side's summer tour to the United States, Canada, Argentina and South Africa.^[12]

References

External links

• Glasgow Warriors
• ESPN Scrum