Glasgow Warriors captain Peter Murchie targets back-to-back PRO12 titles

Peter Murchie says Glasgow Warriors are relishing the challenge of defending their Guinness PRO12 title this season.

The Warriors were crowned PRO12 winners for the first time in their history last season, beating Munster 31-13 in the final. 

But, unlike last season, four of the competition's opening six rounds will be played during the Rugby World Cup, with Glasgow kicking off their campaign at home against the Scarlets on September 5.

Murchie, who was confirmed as the new Warriors captain last week, taking over the role from the now retired Al Kellock, admits he cannot wait for the new season to start. 

"It's a challenge, but we have been working hard for a long time now," the 29-year-old told www.pro12rugby.com.

"We've still got a big squad, and a lot of young players have put their hands up.

"It's a big challenge for us to do as well as we did last season, but it is one we are looking forward to."

Meanwhile, Pro12 rugby chairman Gerald Davies delivered a glowing report on the tournament during this season's competition launch in London on Monday.

"With the introduction of meritocracy for European Champions Cup qualification, we had more competitive games at all stages of the tournament last year," Davies said.

"We also had a sixth year of year-on-year growth on attendance, with record crowds of almost 1.2 million (up 4.65 per cent).

"Our partnership with Guinness has been an unqualified success, both on and off the park, and their long association with rugby union has been apparent in everything they do."