Bhatti and Horne amongst returnees for Dragons visit

Jamie Bhatti and George Horne are amongst five Glasgow Warriors released from Scotland camp for this weekend’s visit to Rodney Parade, as Franco Smith’s men look to resume their push for a home berth in the playoffs.

The pair form part of a starting XV that shows four changes from the team that put Connacht to the sword at Scotstoun last time out, a result that saw the Warriors consolidate their place in the top-two of the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

🤩 Secure your seats at Scotstoun on Saturday 1 March, as we celebrate grassroots rugby for our Origin Round Double-Header!

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) February 7, 2025

Fin Richardson is the only member of the front-row to retain his place in the starting lineup from that victory, as Bhatti and Grant Stewart come in to pack down at the coal face.

Alex Samuel is partnered by Jare Oguntibeju in the second-row, after the latter completed his recovery from a knee injury sustained against Toulon back in December.

Oguntibeju’s inclusion sees Euan Ferrie revert to the blindside flank, joining Henco Venter and Jack Mann in an otherwise unchanged back-row.

Duncan Weir captains the side for the second successive match from the number 10 jersey, joining Horne in the half-backs for the trip to Newport.

Duncan Munn and Ollie Smith continue as the centre combination, having dove-tailed to eye-catching effect against Connacht last time out.

Sebastian Cancelliere makes his 50^th appearance for Glasgow Warriors on the wing, with Facundo Cordero and Josh McKay completing the starting lineup for the Sunday afternoon showdown.

Two potential debutants await their opportunity on the bench, as Macenzzie Duncan and Kerr Johnston are retained in the matchday 23 after being unused replacements at Scotstoun a fortnight ago.

Johnny Matthews and Ally Miller rotate to the bench to accommodate the inclusions of Stewart and Oguntibeju respectively in the pack, with Ben Afshar doing likewise to allow for Horne’s return at scrum-half.

Nathan McBeth and Patrick Schickerling complete the front-row replacements, whilst Angus Fraser rounds out the matchday 23 by covering the back-row once more.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The squad is looking forward to getting back out onto the field this weekend, and that has shown through in a highly-focused training week.

“We know the Dragons have talented players throughout their squad, and will be playing for a passionate home support behind them at Rodney Parade.

“We’re also pleased to include Macenzzie and Kerr in our matchday 23 once more, and to see Sebastian reach 50 appearances for us this weekend – he is someone who knows what it means to be a Warrior and always gives 100% in his performances.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Dragons at Rodney Parade, Sunday 16 February, kick-off 2pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (115)
2 Grant Stewart (55)
3 Fin Richardson (2)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (3)
5 Alex Samuel (28)
6 Euan Ferrie (27)
7 Henco Venter (30)
8 Jack Mann (8)

9 George Horne (129)
10 Duncan Weir (C) (159)
11 Facundo Cordero (7)
12 Duncan Munn (3)
13 Ollie Smith (39)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (49)
15 Josh McKay (60)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (86)
17 Nathan McBeth (47)
18 Patrick Schickerling (5)
19 Ally Miller (34)
20 Angus Fraser (17)
21 Macenzzie Duncan (0)
22 Ben Afshar (14)
23 Kerr Johnston (0)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Adam Hastings (face), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

International duty: Gregor Brown, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall, Kyle Rowe, Rory Sutherland.

Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU)
AR1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR2: Matthew Leon (WRU)
TMO: Mark Patton (IRFU)