Moving overseas on a two-year deal would seem, on paper, to close the door on that childhood dream but Kuenzle doesn’t see it that way. The 28-year-old has studied Glasgow’s form both in the URC and the Champions Cup over the last few years and believes that, if he can be playing regularly and well in a winning team. then it can only improve his chances of a belated Australia call-up.
“It’s still the dream to play for the Wallabies,” he reveals. “It’s unfortunate what happened. I had a really good season with the Force and I was on the fringes of the [Australia] squad. Trying to keep fit, I told Joe that I might play some club rugby and he was pretty on board with that. And then 10 minutes into that game, I dislocated my knee.
“It is what it is, that’s rugby. You can’t control those things. It’s obviously been a tough couple of years. Even last year, when I finished the Super Rugby season, the knee wasn’t still quite right. I had another surgery with my meniscus, so that was another six months. And then at the start of the year, I was back into it. It’s been a tough couple of years with the injuries, but you can’t control those things. I’m feeling fresh now, I’m feeling really good, so hopefully I can put my best foot forward.”
And does Kuenzle, who isn’t Scottish-qualified, believe playing for Australia one day is still achievable, even playing club rugby in Europe for Franco Smith’s side?
“One hundred percent,” he answers emphatically. “You’ve just got to play good rugby, I guess. This is a great club to do that with the amount of Scotland boys in there. Obviously, they’re one of the best in the world, as you can tell. With the way that Franco’s got the boys going, it’s quite exciting. I’m just focusing on that, doing a job for Glasgow, and who knows what could happen.”
This is a big move for the Sydney-born versatile back who has spent the last seven years in Super Rugby with first the Brumbies and then, from 2022, the Western Force where he really came to prominence. Kuenzle, who has Swiss heritage, admits he had never set foot in Scotland before signing for Warriors but is confident this is the right move at the right time.
“Obviously I did a big stint in Australia but I’m 28 now, so I’m at that age where I could stay or experience something new,” he explained. “I think I was at that stage where I wanted to do that [try a new experience]. And obviously Glasgow came calling and it’s hard to not look at the way they’ve been going the last four years and just missing out [on silverware] this year.
“The European stuff as well, that was a big eye-opener for me. And to be a part of a group where there are about 19 boys in the Scotland squad. That tells you it’s world-class and you want to be a part of that. It’s been five weeks since I’ve come here and it’s been actually pretty smooth sailing. The weather’s been unreal the last couple of weeks so that’s been great. Obviously the boys have been welcoming, Franco and the coaching staff have been great. So, yeah, no dramas so far, it’s been unreal.”
Bayley Kuenzle is looking forward to getting going with Glasgow. Image: ©Craig Watson www.craigwatson.co.uk
Kuenzle played a lot at 10 in his early years but has been used predominantly on the wings or at centre since joining the Force. His preferred position is 12 but, naturally, will be happy to feature wherever Smith requires him.
“I’ll play wherever I’m needed,” he confirms. “But I do prefer playing a bit of 12. I started my career, my Super Rugby career, at 10. And I’ve got that body that can go anywhere. I like attacking rugby. I like taking the line on, getting the ball in hand. I really pride myself on my skills, my catch-pass and my kicking game. I also try and bring some physicality wherever I can.
“But to be fair, if I’m out in the field, I’m grateful. I’m just here for an opportunity. And if I play good rugby, it’ll take care of itself. But wherever Franco wants me, I’ll put my hand up for him. I’ve been speaking to Nigel [Carolan], the backs coach. He obviously knows that I’m quite versatile and can play in certain positions. But I’ve been training a bit in the midfield the last couple of weeks, which has been nice. Also, I want to push those boys who are in front of me as well. I back myself to do a job and really push those boys and compete.”
Another string to Kuenzle’s bow is his goal kicking and he enjoyed a meet-up this week with Scotland icon Chris Paterson who assists both Glasgow and Edinburgh on that front.
“I haven’t really goal kicked between this year and last year. But I love my goal kicking. I think Chris helps out with that. We met him [on Tuesday] and he’s one of the Scottish legends. So I’d love to keep working with him and to improve that. This is all a new experience, and I’m obviously not coming in with a bad frame of mind. I’m just going to embrace it and enjoy what Scotland’s got to give.”