Dempsey returns for Vodacom Bulls clash

Jack Dempsey is set to make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance since January this weekend, after being named in the starting XV to take on Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun tomorrow night.

The Scotland international will line up at number eight under the Friday night lights, having been a late withdrawal ahead of the club’s opening round victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks last month.

Ready for Round 5⃣

🎟️ https://t.co/oVAmctbe5T #WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/KK4MLibfLR

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 23, 2025

Jamie Bhatti also returns to the starting XV after missing the club’s last two matches, coming in to start at loose-head prop alongside Johnny Matthews and Murphy Walker in the front-row.

Max Williamson retains his place in the second-row from last weekend’s bonus-point win over the Ospreys, partnering Scott Cummings as part of an all-international pack.

Dempsey’s inclusion sees Matt Fagerson shift to the openside flank, with Gregor Brown lining up at blindside after a BKT Player of the Match-winning performance against the Dragons a fortnight ago.

Behind the scrum, Adam Hastings needs only three points to reach 500 in a Glasgow Warriors jersey, as the fly-half combines with George Horne in the half-backs.

Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall continue their partnership in the midfield, having dove-tailed to impressive effect in Bridgend last weekend.

Josh McKay returns to the lineup after being rested last time out, the full-back joining Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe in the back-three for the visit of last season’s runners-up.

Seb Stephen is set for his first appearance at Scotstoun should the hooker come off the bench, the Scotland U20 standout having impressed during his brief cameo in Bridgend last Saturday.

Nathan McBeth and Sam Talakai join Stephen as the front-row cover, with Alex Samuel and Euan Ferrie rotating to the bench after starting last time out.

Alex Craig continues in the number 20 jersey, whilst the back-line is once again covered by Ben Afshar and Dan Lancaster in a six-two split of the replacements.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know we must be at our best this weekend, as we look to finish the first block of fixtures on a high.

“The Bulls possess one of the strongest and deepest squads in the URC; they are consistent in the quality of performances they produce, and their track record – including reaching three of the first four URC Finals – shows the calibre and quality of squad they have at their disposal.

“We know we must be at the right level physically and mentally in order to meet their challenge tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun, Friday 24 October, kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets are still available for the match – click here to secure your seat.

1 Jamie Bhatti (127)
2 Johnny Matthews (101)
3 Murphy Walker (18)
4 Max Williamson (35)
5 Scott Cummings (145)
6 Gregor Brown (38)
7 Matt Fagerson (128)
8 Jack Dempsey (55)

9 George Horne (142)
10 Adam Hastings (73)
11 Kyle Rowe (40)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (71)
13 Stafford McDowall (97)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (95)
15 Josh McKay (67)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (2)
17 Nathan McBeth (58)
18 Sam Talakai (24)
19 Alex Samuel (44)
20 Alex Craig (2)
21 Euan Ferrie (43)
22 Ben Afshar (24)
23 Dan Lancaster (4)

Unavailable for selection: Rory Darge (knee), Zander Fagerson (knee), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Grant Stewart (foot), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).