Internationals return as van der Merwe set for debut

Steyn joins Zander Fagerson and Alex Craig in a starting XV showing eight changes from the team that beat Connacht last time out, the Warriors set to open their European campaign in Greater Manchester for the second successive season.

Before we go again 👀 Some of our best moments against Sale Sharks over the years 🔥 https://t.co/71qWxZgrIf

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 15, 2026

Ruwald van der Merwe is also in line for his first appearance in a Glasgow Warriors jersey, after the summer signing was named at number eight for tomorrow’s clash.

Fagerson starts at tight-head for the visit to the Corpacq Stadium in what will be his first outing since Scotland’s meeting with South Africa in the Nations Championship earlier this summer, joining Nathan McBeth and Seb Stephen in the front row.

Scott Cummings is paired with Craig in the second row, forming an all-international combination in the engine room.

Van der Merwe is flanked by Rory Darge and Euan Ferrie in the back row, the latter in line for his first appearance since the pre-season clash with Newcastle Red Bulls after recovering from injury.

George Horne and Dan Lancaster continue as the half-back combination, following the former’s late inclusion at scrum-half ahead of kick-off last weekend.

Stafford McDowall returns to the midfield after missing last weekend’s match due to a head injury, as Sione Tuipulotu continues in the number 12 jersey.

Steyn captains the side from the wing, in a back-three that also features Jamie Dobie and Kyle Rowe, who have combined for five tries in Glasgow’s three matches to date this season.

Gregor Hiddleston rotates to the bench after starting each of the club’s opening three matches this season, joining Patrick Schickerling and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover on the bench.

Jare Oguntibeju and Gregor Brown provide cover at second row, with Brown joining Ally Miller in also covering the back row in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Callum Reidy is set for his first appearance in European competition after making his senior Glasgow Warriors debut last weekend, as Ollie Smith rounds out the matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We look forward to getting our Investec Champions Cup campaign underway tomorrow, against a Sale Sharks squad that we know will provide a strong, physical test in front of their home supporters.

“Ruwald has worked hard since arriving in Glasgow to put himself in the best position possible, and has earned his opportunity to start tomorrow.

“We are also pleased to welcome Kyle, Alex, Zander and Euan back into the lineup – each player has been diligent in their work with our medical and S&C teams, ensuring that they are in the best shape for their return.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Sale Sharks at Corpacq Stadium, Saturday 17 October, kick-off 1pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (72)
2 Seb Stephen (21)
3 Zander Fagerson (177)
4 Alex Craig (16)
5 Scott Cummings (158)
6 Euan Ferrie (58)
7 Rory Darge (83)
8 Ruwald van der Merwe (0)

9 George Horne (159)
10 Dan Lancaster (26)
11 Jamie Dobie (102)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (90)
13 Stafford McDowall (120)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (110)
15 Kyle Rowe (57)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (52)
17 Patrick Schickerling (31)
18 Sam Talakai (47)
19 Jare Oguntibeju (26)
20 Gregor Brown (51)
21 Ally Miller (50)
22 Callum Reidy (1)
23 Ollie Smith (68)

Unavailable for selection: Ben Afshar (ankle), Ryan Burke (knee), Matt Fagerson (groin), Duncan Munn (hamstring), Alex Samuel (knee), Charlie Savala (knee), Rory Sutherland (calf).