Smith names team for first clash of 2026

The 34-year-old is named among the replacements for what will be his 163rd appearance in Warriors colours.

There is also a debut in the matchday 23, with academy scrum-half Jack Oliver included on the bench. The young nine impressed in the club’s pre-season victory over Northampton Saints and will be hoping for his first taste of senior action in front of the Scotstoun crowd.

In the starting XV, Euan Ferrie returns to action after recovering from an ankle injury, the back-rower packing down at blindside flanker. Duncan Munn also makes his first appearance of the season on the wing following his own spell on the sidelines.

Up front, Patrick Schickerling, Seb Stephen and Fin Richardson combine in the front-row, with Jare Oguntibeju and Max Williamson forming the engine room. Ferrie is joined in the back-row by Rory Darge at openside and Macenzzie Duncan at number eight.

Ben Afshar and Adam Hastings link up in the half-backs, with Hastings continuing his run of starts at fly-half. Jamie Dobie again starts on the wing in a back three that is completed by full-back Ollie Smith.

Kerr Yule and club captain Stafford McDowall combine in the midfield, McDowall leading the side as he brings up his 104th. appearance for the Warriors.

Weir and Oliver are joined on the replacements bench by forwards Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Alex Craig and Ally Miller, as well as Dan Lancaster providing back-line cover.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org:

“Despite our four victories in December we need to up our game and we know that the Zebre team will pose a different challenge.

“They are a dangerous side and will test us, so our focus is very much on delivering a positive, disciplined performance as we introduce some of the younger players in our squad.

“Saturday will also be a special night for Duncan Weir. His contribution to this club over so many years cannot be overstated, not just in terms of points and performances, but in the standards he sets and the influence he has had on players and staff alike.

“Duncan embodies what it means to be a Glasgow Warrior, and we’re delighted he’ll continue to pass on his knowledge as part of our senior academy, even as he steps away from playing.

“We’re also excited to see Jack Oliver involved in the matchday squad for the first time. He’s worked extremely hard through the academy and training environment, and this is a great opportunity for him to experience what it means to be part of a senior matchday group at Scotstoun.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Scotstoun Stadium, Saturday 3 January, kick-off 7.45pm.

Tickets available here.

1 Patrick Schickerling (16)
2 Seb Stephen (6)
3 Fin Richardson (11)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (13)
5 Max Williamson (40)
6 Euan Ferrie (44)
7 Rory Darge (72)
8 Macenzzie Duncan (8)
9 Ben Afshar (28)
10 Adam Hastings (79)
11 Jamie Dobie (96)
12 Kerr Yule (1)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (103)
14 Duncan Munn (5)
15 Ollie Smith (53)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (35)
17 Rory Sutherland (18)
18 Sam Talakai (30)
19 Alex Craig (8)
20 Ally Miller (40)
21 Jack Oliver (0)
22 Duncan Weir (162)
23 Dan Lancaster (9)