Craig to make debut whilst Matthews set for century
10 Oct 2025Alex Craig will make his Glasgow Warriors debut on home turf tomorrow evening, after the second-rower was named in the starting XV to take on the Dragons at Scotstoun.
The Scotland international – a summer arrival from the Scarlets – is one of six changes to the team that ran out against Benetton last weekend, whilst Johnny Matthews is in line to become the first Glasgow Warriors centurion of 2025/26 after being named amongst the replacements.
Rory Sutherland and Fin Richardson continue as the starting props after starting in Treviso last weekend, with Gregor Hiddleston coming into the lineup to start at hooker.
Craig partners fellow Scotland international Scott Cummings in the engine room, the latter set to make his first start of the 2025/26 season after featuring off the bench in the opening two rounds.
Macenzzie Duncan continues at openside after a Player of the Match-winning display in Treviso last Saturday, as the flanker joins Gregor Brown and Euan Ferrie in the back-row.
From post-tour social to getting that call 🦁#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/vzVo2ejAiI
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 9, 2025
Behind the scrum, Adam Hastings continues at fly-half, whilst George Horne returns to the starting XV to line up at scrum-half.
Ollie Smith comes into the midfield after starting on the wing against the Hollywoodbets Sharks a fortnight ago, partnering Sione Tuipulotu in the centres for tomorrow evening’s clash.
Jamie Dobie shifts to the wing after starting at scrum-half last weekend, with captain Kyle Steyn and Josh McKay completing the back-three.
Matthews is named amongst the replacements for what would be the hooker’s 100th appearance in a Glasgow jersey should he come onto the field, the Liverpool-born Scotland cap having become a firm fan favourite since making his debut in the opening match of the 2019/20 campaign.
Patrick Schickerling retains his place in the matchday 23 after returning from injury off the bench in Treviso, whilst Murphy Walker and Angus Fraser could both make their first appearances of the season in front of the Warrior Nation tomorrow night.
Alex Samuel rotates to the bench after starting both of the club’s opening two matches of the season, with Max Williamson wearing the number 20 jersey in a six-two split of forwards and backs.
Ben Afshar and Dan Lancaster complete the cohort of replacements, the former also set for his first action of the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “After a competitive training week where each player has put his hand up to be involved, we look forward to running out at home again tomorrow night.
“Alex has worked hard to put himself in the best possible position to make his debut for this club, whilst we are proud to see Johnny in line to make his 100th appearance for the club – he is a proud Warrior and reaching the century is a well-deserved milestone.
“The Dragons arguably should have come away with victory over the Sharks last weekend, underlining their ability to cause problems for any team – we know we will have to be at our best to meet them tomorrow night.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Dragons at Scotstoun, Saturday 11 October, kick-off 5.30pm. Tickets are still available for the match – click here.
1 Rory Sutherland (14)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (29)
3 Fin Richardson (10)
4 Alex Craig (0)
5 Scott Cummings (144)
6 Gregor Brown (37)
7 Macenzzie Duncan (5)
8 Euan Ferrie (41)
9 George Horne (141)
10 Adam Hastings (71)
11 Jamie Dobie (90)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (69)
13 Ollie Smith (46)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (93)
15 Josh McKay (66)
Replacements
16 Johnny Matthews (99)
17 Patrick Schickerling (12)
18 Murphy Walker (16)
19 Alex Samuel (42)
20 Max Williamson (33)
21 Angus Fraser (19)
22 Ben Afshar (22)
23 Dan Lancaster (2)
Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (back), Rory Darge (knee), Jack Dempsey (groin), Matt Fagerson (ankle), Zander Fagerson (knee), Huw Jones (ankle), Nathan McBeth (calf), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Grant Stewart (foot), Sam Talakai (head), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).
