IT IS a mark of the man that one of the most emotional and poignant nights of Al Kellock's life will be about one thing - winning a game of rugby.

 

There are, of course, few opportunities left for the former Scotland internationalist to savour such occasions as the one he will be at the heart of this evening.

But this would not be the leader, fighter or indeed Warrior many have come to idolise if it did not revolve around coming out on top on a grass park.

Along with hooker Dougie Hall, Kellock will walk out in front of a sell-out Scotstoun crowd to captain Glasgow - as he has done for over 150 occasions already - into a GUINNESS PRO12 match against Cardiff Blues knowing it may be his last.

There are many elements to this event which will tug on the heartstrings of the 33-year-old Glaswegian. None more so than the fact his children, Kate and Ruaridh, will emerge from the tunnel by his side clutching his spade-like hands.

But just little over a week on from announcing his impending retirement from professional rugby, Kellock is not ready to let sentiment cloud his vision of ensuring he bows out of Glasgow Warriors this summer as a winner.

"It's been great," he said of the days since his announcement. "I've had fantastic messages in from so many different people but you have to then put that on a shelf somewhere and concentrate on the fact we have Cardiff tonight and how big a game it is for us to keep our momentum going.

"It will be a fantastic occasion if we get what we need to do on the pitch right. I've spoken to the boys about that, and told them to focus purely on the fact we have to win a game of rugby.

"With the sun out you see the occasional guy drifting away thinking about the try he's going to score rather than the ruck they have to hit. That's where I brought it back to.

"But of all the things that are going on that will make a special night, I've played in enough games and have the experience to know what point to shelf it and say 'this is rugby'."

With a smile creeping over his face, it is clear to see the giant gentleman who has devoted the last nine years of his life to Glasgow appreciates the magnitude of this evening's gathering beyond the pursuit of sporting greatness.

As well as his children, Kellock's father Stuart will be one of several special guests carrying the match ball on to the field before his son can concentrate on winning a rugby match.

"Yes, it will be a special day personally," said Kellock Jnr.

"My kids, Ruaridh and Kate, are going to be mascots. My daughter did it last year for the PRO12 semi-final as a five-year-old and there is a great picture of me walking out as focused as I've ever been with her crying her eyes out next to me.

"She's looking forward to it a lot more now she is a year older, and my wee boy is two in a few weeks. It will be daunting for him but he'll be getting dragged out anyway.

"That's special. Kate coming out with me for that game against Munster will go down as one of my best rugby memories - even though she was crying her eyes out.

"There are loads of people coming. I'm determined it's not my last game. It's a tribute game, there's plenty of rugby left in this season, but that's how well I play."

Tonight's tie with Cardiff signifies the fourth-last game in what has been a storming season for Glasgow.

Currently sitting top of the PRO12, the hunger to avenge the disappointment of losing last year's final to Leinster still burns deeply within Gregor Townsend's dressing room.

It is a craving Kellock is characteristically eager to satisfy this season first hand and beyond from slightly further back.

"Rugby is an emotional sport, we shouldn't forget that," said the Barbarian. "There are emotions attached to every game, and of course there are more in this game for certain individuals.

"If you concentrate on those things and forget about the foundations you are always in danger of letting things slide."

He added: "I leave the team filled with satisfaction and excitement for the future.

"I'm going to stay involved and I believe we can continue to grow here, both on and off the field. For me, it's a great club to be involved in.

"I'll be here reminding guys that the stuff we got right seven, eight, nine years ago never goes away."