When you have been away from a club for a long period of time there is no better way than announcing your return with a hat-trick of tries - and that is what Glasgow Hawks’ Ross Miller did at the weekend.

Miller started his rugby career at Garnock, but in 2010 made the move to Hawks and went on to captain the Old Anniesland outfit and earn Scotland Sevens caps.

Nearly three years ago he moved to Australia to work in the oil and gas industry there and took a break from rugby.

However, in late September back-row man Miller, now 30, moved back to Scotland and soon he was back down training with his old club.

A couple of matches followed for the second XV and on Saturday Miller was named at No.8 for the BT Cup second round 48-14 win against Highland.

“When I came back to Scotland a couple of months ago I was busy getting my new house sorted and such like, but I soon headed back down to Hawks and it was great to be back,” he said.

“A lot changes at clubs in a short space of time, but there were a lot of familiar faces around and straight away I just felt like one of the lads again.

“Having not played for a while I was not sure what to expect, but my competitive instincts came back quickly and what I have found is that the strength in depth at the club has really grown and there are a lot of cracking young players.

“In the second XV there are a lot of guys pushing for first XV spots while the coaching of head coach Finlay Gillies has been excellent and everyone is working together to make sure the second half of the season is a success.

“It was nice to get back in the first team mix and bag some tries on Saturday and hopefully I can stay in and around the first XV for our BT Premiership matches next month.”

As mentioned, Miller moved from Garnock to Hawks over six years ago to try and test himself at a higher level.

Within a few weeks of the 2010/11 season getting under way he was a regular with Hawks and was training with the Scotland Sevens squad.

“It was a whirlwind few months, let me tell you,” he recounts.

“Training with the sevens squad was great and later that season I made my debut for Scotland in Hong Kong at one of the best tournaments in the world.

“I really had to pinch myself at that point, but I managed to go on and earn 13 Scotland Sevens caps over the next couple of years and I got to play with and against some great players and in some amazing places.

“I think the break from rugby while I was in Australia has allowed my body to rest and I now have the bug back and want to play. Hopefully I can help Hawks out in the coming months.”