Glasgow Warriors: Has this season gone for Franco Smith?

After losing key players like Tom Jordan, Seb Cancellier and Henco Venter last summer, many wondered if Glasgow would be able to remain a competitive force in the trophy hunt this season.

Delivering a perfect Champions Cup pool stage with four bonus-point wins – including stunning wins over Toulouse and Saracens – and topping the URC table was in many ways overshooting the runway in terms of expectations.

“We’ve worked really hard this season, fighting back after some difficulties we’ve had with international players and injuries,” Franco Smith told BBC Scotland.

“Still finishing top of the log was an important milestone for us and to play this game here in front of so many fans is obviously fantastic.

“Would we have liked to go one more? Yes. But I’m really proud of the season and the way the guys played.

“We started the season and I said we only have 38 professionals and we don’t have enough internationals. Despite that we are still at the top, we still win as many games as we do. We just fall short.”

Now with the likes of Huw Jones, Jack Dempsey, Adam Hastings and others set to depart Scotstown this summer, the question is whether Glasgow will be able to rebuild and go again next season.

Reaching their heights in this campaign will be a big ask. Seems to have gone away this season.