WARRIORS star James Eddie says his involvement with the Scotland Rugby Sevens side has sharpened his appetite for the new campaign.

Glasgow begin their pre-season build-up in earnest on August 23 when they play host to Aviva Premiership giants Harlequins at Scotstoun.

And 29-year-old Eddie says he is still surfing a rugby adrenaline wave from the unforgettable Commonwealth Games Sevens tournament that saw him playing in front of 50,000 fans at Ibrox.

Speaking at Scotstoun as Scottish Rugby unveiled a new tie-up with soft-drink firm A.G. Barr, Eddie said: "My two days at the Games were an unforgettable experience.

"And the tournament sharpened my catching, movement and ability to work under pressure at a high tempo. I have come back to Warriors with a real springboard into the pre-season. My enthusiasm for the new season has never been higher.

"Ironically, before the Games I had never been to Hampden or Ibrox. Now I've been to both and played at the latter.

"It was one of the greatest moments of my career so far. Before our first game we went down to the pitch just to soak up the atmosphere. It was amazing. Ibrox is a fantastic stadium. And with 50,000 rugby fans shouting for Scotland, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up.

"I am still buzzing. The game with Harlequins can't come soon enough."

The back-row forward is determined to use the friendly to lay down a marker for the new season, which starts with a revenge mission against Guinness PRO12 champions Leinster at Scotstoun on September 6.

Eddie said: "Against Harlequins we will get a chance to show the coaches what we can do. We were disappointed not to beat them last summer in a friendly at The Stoop.

"We were leading with 10 minutes to go but we could not hang on to it and went down 19-16.

"After Harlequins we go south to play London Scottish on August 30.

"Those will be two great building blocks for the new season."

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has made only five signings this summer. But Eddie is backing the new boys to help Glasgow kick on from last term when they made their first appearance in a major final.

"We are further ahead than we were at the same point last summer," Eddie insisted. "The new guys are great additions. It's great to see Euan Murray coming back after everything he has achieved.

"And the likes of young Alex Allan will be hungry to learn from him."