Tom Jordan has embarked on a long journey to become Glasgow Warriors’ fly-half and there could yet be more chapters in his fascinating story.
Born in Auckland, Jordan progressed through the ranks at Hamilton Old Boys before moving across the world to pursue an opportunity at Ayrshire Bulls. The versatile back thrived in the Super 6 series, winning player of the match in the Bulls’ final triumph in 2021, and his form led to Glasgow signing him later that year.
Patience was paramount for Jordan as he waited almost a year for his professional debut against Benetton, but the 25-year-old impressed head coach Franco Smith during his breakthrough season.
Although Ross Thompson and Duncan Weir provide competition at fly-half, Smith trusted Jordan with the starting jersey against Leinster and his decision to move to Scotland is now paying dividends.
“When I first came over it was a case of play in the Super6 and getting some more game-time, experiencing something different then going back to NZ," said Jordan. "But when I came over I really enjoyed it. This side of the world is really great for travel and stuff.
“It’s a bit harder to get to Europe when you’re in New Zealand so that side of things was awesome and I thought, ‘There’s a lot of the world to see’, and I ended up staying and eventually got called into training [with Glasgow] and just went from there.
“Last season, for me, my main goal was to play one game because it [his Glasgow debut] had been a bit of an elusive one. Obviously, I got to start pretty early on so that changed things and I just wanted to learn and grow as much as I could and put my best foot forward every time I was out there.
“I was really grateful for the opportunities I got given under Franco but I didn’t really expect the season to go like that, to get the opportunities. And how we ended up was awesome as well. I can’t speak highly enough of last season.”
Despite being a proud New Zealander, Jordan now feels like Scotland is home. The allure of travelling across Europe was a factor in switching hemispheres and Spain, France, Portugal and Greece have been ticked off his bucket list.
Rugby’s complicated residency rules have proved problematic for Jordan but he will be eligible to represent Scotland next November. English ancestry ensures Jordan isn’t classed as an international in European competition with the protocols causing Warriors analyst Greg Woolard sleepless nights.
While Jordan’s focus remains solely on excelling for Glasgow, the allure of playing for his adopted country has grown substantially.
“I think as I’ve progressed more and more it’s something that I can definitely aim for now.” admitted Jordan. “When I first came over I wasn’t Scottish and I wasn’t really planning on being here but as I’ve stayed and played a few games it’s definitely something that, if the opportunity came up, it’s definitely something you’d really push towards - once I’ve qualified.
“For now, it’s not an option for me because I’m not even qualified. It’s a cool thing to think of for the future but now, for me, it’s just about Glasgow. They’re the ones that gave me the opportunity and I’m working really hard. I think we’ve got a great squad here and I think we can go and do something special. If think we’ve got a team that can win a trophy or even two trophies, so that’s my main focus now for the next season or two, for sure.
“I’ve made a lot of mates outside of rugby from my time at Ayr. It’s definitely like a second home for me. I haven’t played in any other place really, other than Scotland. I’ve only been at Ayr and Glasgow, so I’ve been in that area for pretty much four years and it’s definitely something I’m really grateful for, coming here. I feel I’m connected and learning all the different cultural stuff and I really do enjoy it here, it’s great.”
Jordan, however, has yet to receive an approach from Gregor Townsend or his staff: “I think if they started trying to deal with people who aren’t even Scottish...They’ve probably got enough to deal with the people who are Scottish.”
Jordan’s impressive running ability stems from playing regularly throughout his career since youth level. Warriors coach Smith views his versatility as a major asset but he’s likely to play more at fly-half this season given Glasgow’s strength at inside-centre with Stafford McDowall and Sione Tuipulotu.
But Jordan, who has also played at full-back, is happy to play wherever Smith requires in order to ensure Glasgow enjoys a successful season.
“I actually played a lot at 10 and 12 to be fair, and even at Ayr I was playing 12 and I got shifted into 10 for the end of the season we won [Super 6]. I feel like I always start at 12 and find my way back to 10 somehow, but I enjoy both, honestly. It’s two parts of my game which I enjoy.
“Ten is communicating and directing on the field which I enjoy. And at 12 I enjoy the physical side of the game and being more in the front line. I feel I can do these roles effectively in either position.
“You learn when you’re playing 10 what you need from a 12 so then when I go to 12 I know what communication I need to give to the 10 so it helps. It’s like when you’re younger and you play all sorts of sports and it helps you overall. It’s sort of the same thing, you play a few positions and it hopefully all helps.”
