Bhatti to reach century as Cordero and Hart make debuts

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 19: Jamie Bhatti in action for Warriors during an Investec Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and RC Toulon at Scotstoun Stadium, on January 19, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The Hillfoots product reaches the milestone as the club celebrates Club of Origin night in front of the Warrior Nation, with the club marking the occasion by hosting the first-ever double-header with it’s men’s and women’s teams.

Facundo Cordero and Ruaraidh Hart are also in line for milestone appearances, as the pair prepare to make their first appearances in Glasgow colours tomorrow night.

Bhatti is one of four players released from Scotland camp for the fixture, with another – and the BKT URC’s top try-scorer – joining him in the front-row in the form of Johnny Matthews, as Lucio Sordoni completes the front-row trio.

Max Williamson and Alex Samuel pack down together from the start for the first time in Glasgow colours, the pair having previously formed an impressive combination for Scotland U20.

Euan Ferrie starts at blindside, the East Kilbride talent joining Thomas Gordon and Henco Venter in the back-row.

Ben Afshar makes his first start in professional rugby after being named at scrum-half, lining up alongside Ross Thompson – released from Scotland camp for tomorrow’s match – in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall captains the team from outside centre, with Tom Jordan selected at inside centre to make it a brace of former Ayr RFC standouts in the midfield.

Cordero is selected on the wing for the first time since his arrival from Exeter Chiefs last season, joining Jamie Dobie and Josh McKay in the back-three.

Birkmyre RFC second-rower Hart is included amongst the replacements after an impressive start to Scotland’s U20 Six Nations campaign, having served as vice-captain in both matches so far.

Nathan McBeth makes his return from injury to cover loose-head, joining Angus Fraser and Oli Kebble as the front-row cover for tomorrow’s clash.

Sintu Manjezi and Gregor Hiddleston form the six-two split of forwards and backs, the latter covering the back-row having previously impressed in the position for Stirling Wolves.

Sean Kennedy and Duncan Weir complete the cohort of replacements, the experienced pair covering the back-line between them under the Scotstoun floodlights.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’re looking forward to being back at home tomorrow night, as we celebrate all of the clubs from Glasgow, Scotland and beyond that helped to shape our Warriors.

“Tomorrow night will be a special moment for Jamie in particular, as he reaches his 100th appearance for the club; he is someone that gives his all every time he is selected for this club, and I know the crowd will show their appreciation tomorrow night.

“We’re also pleased to see Facundo and Ruaraidh pull on the jersey for the first time – both men have worked hard and will be looking to make an impact tomorrow.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face the Dragons at Scotstoun, Saturday 17 February, kick-off 7.35pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (99)
2 Johnny Matthews (61)
3 Lucio Sordoni (24)
4 Max Williamson (7)
5 Alex Samuel (12)
6 Euan Ferrie (11)
7 Thomas Gordon (70)
8 Henco Venter (9)

9 Ben Afshar (6)
10 Ross Thompson (44)
11 Jamie Dobie (55)
12 Tom Jordan (37)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (69)
14 Facundo Cordero (0)
15 Josh McKay (38)

Replacements

16 Angus Fraser (9)
17 Nathan McBeth (31)
18 Oli Kebble (95)
19 Ruaraidh Hart (0)
20 Sintu Manjezi (16)
21 Gregor Hiddleston (1)
22 Sean Kennedy (29)
23 Duncan Weir (142)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Gregor Brown (knee), Sebastian Cancelliere (neck), Richie Gray (bicep), Jack Mann (ankle), Ally Miller (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (knee)

International duty: Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Kyle Rowe, Sione Tuipulotu, George Turner.