Lancaster finds his feet as Warriors nil Dragons

It was a night to remember for Dan Lancaster, as Glasgow Warriors produced a commanding 49-0 victory over the Dragons at Scotstoun to claim their second five-point haul of the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship season

For Lancaster, the son of former England coach Stuart and one of the squad’s newest additions, it was a personal milestone – his first points in a Warriors jersey and a performance that hinted at how quickly he is settling into life in Glasgow.

“Nice to get two on the board,” Lancaster smiled afterwards, still wrapped in his matchday jacket after a cool evening under the lights.

“It was nice to let someone let me kick for once. To be honest, I didn’t really have an option because George [Horne] and Hasto [Adam Hastings] both came off. I tried to take the one under the posts from George, but he got there first!

“I’m just glad to get on the score sheet and grateful to get five points.”

That combination of humour and humility sums up Lancaster’s start in Glasgow’s colours. Since joining from French side Racing 92, where he spent his previous season adjusting to a different style of rugby, the 24-year-old has spoken openly about learning from his teammates and finding his rhythm within the club’s fast-paced attacking game.

Against the Dragons, those lessons seemed to come together: controlled kicking, clear communication, and a growing confidence in his role.

Lancaster’s connection with Adam Hastings, his fellow “nepo baby” has already become a small subplot of Glasgow’s campaign. Both vying for similar positions in the backline, yet Lancaster insists the relationship is collaborative rather than competitive.

“Me and Hasto are going really well,” he said.

“Obviously we’re both playing in the same position, but we’re both trying to learn off each other and share ideas. It’s been great so far. Everyone’s been amazing so it’s been good.”

That supportive culture seem to have helped Lancaster adjust quickly to the URC, which he describes as a “fast, expansive” competition compared to the more bruising, territorial style he encountered previously.

“The URC is definitely different,” he explained.

“There’s obviously pressure every game because you want to get bonus points, but in the Top 14 you’ve got relegation, so there’s a different kind of pressure every week. The size of the blokes are the same – it’s still a massive challenge – but I’m loving the URC so far.”

Glasgow’s 49-0 demolition of the Dragons was built on the slick interplay and defensive discipline rather than brute force.

Lancaster’s influence was steady rather than flashy, helping marshal territory and ensure the team maintained its tempo through a match that could easily have lost structure once the result was beyond doubt.

For a player still integrating into the squad, it was an encouraging statement of composure and control.

“I’d still say I’m settling in,” Lancaster admitted.

“It’s been nice to play the pre-season games, and I’ve been involved in the last few. Hopefully I can just kick on from now.

“It’s a work in progress — you can see the performance isn’t perfect. We’ll get back on Monday, hopefully get five points against the Ospreys, and take it from there.”

That focus on consistency will be crucial as the Warriors prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

The calendar alternates between home and away weekends, leaving little recovery time. Yet for Lancaster, who spent last season travelling across France’s vast geography, the schedule is familiar.

“There’s not much turnaround,” he said with a shrug.

“For me it’s normal because last year you’re travelling up and down France. Here you go to Italy, next week we’re going to Wales. I haven’t been to South Africa yet, but those are trips to look forward to. The travel was crazy last year, so I’m used to it.

“I’m looking forward to the trips, especially next week. It’ll be a tough one away in Wales on Saturday night in Swansea, but it’ll be good.”

Glasgow’s defensive performance against the Dragons — a clean sheet — drew particular satisfaction from the coaching staff. Yet Lancaster was quick to stress that even a 49-0 victory comes with lessons.

“At the end of the day we just want five points,” he said.

“No matter what the performance is like, you’re always grateful for five points, especially when you nil a team. We know we’ve got a lot to learn, and next week will be a different challenge. I think Ospreys got a great win today against Zebre Parma, so we know we’ll have to be better than we were tonight.”

For a player only a few games into his Glasgow career, that “next job” mentality is striking. The Warriors’ attacking combinations are still taking shape, with several internationals and British & Irish Lions reintegrating after summer tours, but Lancaster’s calm presence is proving a steadying influence.

“The thing is, it’s 49–0 and that’s a great result,” he reflected.

“We know there are so many areas to improve. You can tell we’re still getting combinations right, still trying to make them work.

“Lads are still coming back from Lions, from internationals, and some played their first games tonight. Things will take time — but we’re grateful for a 49–0 win for sure.”

As Glasgow move forward into the meat of their URC campaign, Lancaster’s understated confidence mirrors the team’s broader trajectory: grounded, ambitious, and aware that early success must be built upon. For a player who once described himself as still “finding his feet,” this latest step felt assured — the first of many in Warriors colours.