Glasgow Warriors to face Northampton Saints in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly

Glasgow Warriors will host Investec Champions Cup runners-up Northampton Saints at Scotstoun in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly this September, as Franco Smith’s side continue their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.

The fixture – Glasgow’s sole home friendly ahead of the new season – will take place on Friday 12 September, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm.

Having pushed eventual champions Bordeaux Begles all the way in last season’s Investec Champions Cup final, a Northampton squad packed with international talent will provide a stern test ahead of the new season, with Scotland internationals such as Rory Hutchinson and Elliot Millar-Mills joined by star performers including Australian back-rower Josh Kemeny and England flyer Ollie Sleightholme.

The match could also be the first opportunity for the Warrior Nation to see some new faces in a Glasgow Warriors shirt in a senior match at Scotstoun, including second-rower Alex Craig and academy stars such as Kerr Johnston and Fergus Watson.

The two sides last met in pre-season prior to the 2017/18 campaign, when a Glasgow Warriors squad including future centurions such as Jamie Bhatti, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson and George Horne was narrowly edged out in an entertaining encounter at Bridgehaugh, home of Stirling County.

Speaking following the announcement, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We look forward to welcoming Northampton to Scotstoun this September, in what will be a key milestone in our pre-season preparations.

“Their performances both in the Premiership and Investec Champions Cup last season showed the strength in depth that their squad possesses, with their brand of rugby set to provide us with a valuable test in both attack and defence ahead of the new season.

“The match will also be an important opportunity for our academy and young players to put their hands up for selection; we saw the impact that players such as Jare Oguntibeju and Macenzzie Duncan made last season following their game time in pre-season, as we look to continue the development of young, Scottish talents within our playing group.”

The match is included in a 2025/26 Season Ticket, with the East and West Stands scheduled to be in place ahead of the fixture. The match will not be broadcast.

Tickets will go on general sale in the coming weeks – keep an eye on emails and social media for updates.