Burke to make first start as Steyn returns as captain
24 Apr 2026Ryan Burke will make his first start for Glasgow Warriors tomorrow afternoon, after the second-rower was selected for this weekend’s clash with the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
The former Scotland U20 international is one of 10 changes to the starting XV that ran out at Ellis Park last weekend, as Franco Smith’s men face their hosts in a meeting of the top two in the current BKT United Rugby Championship standings.
An all-new front-row sees Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson start after coming off the bench in Johannesburg last time out, whilst Patrick Schickerling starts at loose-head after being rested for the opening match of the South African double-header.
Burke makes his first start in senior rugby one week on from making his Glasgow Warriors debut, partnering Alex Samuel in the engine room for tomorrow’s clash.
Angus Fraser starts at openside in the week it was announced that he has signed a contract extension with Smith’s men, joining Euan Ferrie and Jack Dempsey in an otherwise unchanged back-row.
Behind the scrum, Ben Afshar starts at scrum-half, whilst Adam Hastings has recovered from the head injury sustained against Toulon a fortnight ago to start in the number 10 jersey.
Huw Jones continues at outside centre, with Sione Tuipulotu lining up alongside him at inside centre after a cameo from the bench last time out.
Kyle Steyn returns to captain the team from the wing, as Kyle Rowe shifts to full-back to accommodate Ollie Smith’s inclusion on the wing.
The bench sees Johnny Matthews and Sam Talakai included after missing out last weekend, Nathan McBeth completing the trio of front-row replacements available to Smith and his coaching team.
Dylan Cockburn is retained amongst the replacements for the second consecutive fixture, with Jare Oguntibeju and Sione Vailanu rotating to the bench after starting at Ellis Park.
Jack Oliver and Stafford McDowall round out the replacements, the latter having scored in his last three outings in Glasgow colours.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “The Stormers will pose a stern test this weekend, as they defend a proud home record in front of a partisan home support in Cape Town.
“They are able to call upon some of the most exciting talents in the BKT URC, blending physicality up front with an electrifying back-line.
“It is a test that we know we must be at our best to match, and the squad is ready to run out at DHL Stadium tomorrow afternoon.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium, Saturday 25 April, kick-off 12.45pm UK time. Follow all the action live on Premier Sports, or at our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.
1 Patrick Schickerling (24)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (44)
3 Zander Fagerson (172)
4 Ryan Burke (1)
5 Alex Samuel (53)
6 Euan Ferrie (55)
7 Angus Fraser (30)
8 Jack Dempsey (66)
9 Ben Afshar (37)
10 Adam Hastings (87)
11 Ollie Smith (62)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (83)
13 Huw Jones (86)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (105)
15 Kyle Rowe (49)
Replacements
16 Johnny Matthews (105)
17 Nathan McBeth (67)
18 Sam Talakai (39)
19 Dylan Cockburn (2)
20 Jare Oguntibeju (20)
21 Sione Vailanu (40)
22 Stafford McDowall (113)
23 Jack Oliver (6)
Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (hamstring), Alex Craig (foot), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Matt Fagerson (hamstring), George Horne (ankle), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Max Williamson (knee).
