One Day to Go: 1872 Cup Returns to Hampden

With pride, bragging rights and the famous trophy on the line, Saturday promises a huge occasion and with thousands of supporters already set to descend on the national stadium, all roads lead to Hampden.

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Glasgow Warriors Team News

Head Coach Franco Smith has named a starting XV showing just one change from last weekend’s memorable victory over Toulouse, with George Horne coming into the side in place of the injured Josh McKay.

The Warriors pack remains unchanged, with Gregor Hiddleston, Zander Fagerson and Nathan McBeth continuing in the front-row, while Scott Cummings and Max Williamson again combine in the second-row. The back row of Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey is also retained.

Horne starts alongside Adam Hastings, fresh from his Investec Player of the Match performance, with Sione Tuipulotuand Stafford McDowall continuing their midfield partnership. Kyle Steyn captains the side from the wing, with Jamie Dobie and Ollie Smith completing the back three.

Edinburgh Rugby Team News

Edinburgh Rugby have made eight changes to their starting lineup for the opening leg of the 1872 Cup, welcoming back a number of senior internationals.

Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe return on the wings, while Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Dylan Richardson and club captain Magnus Bradbury also come back into the side after being rested last weekend. Wes Goosen starts at full-back, with Matt Currie and Piers O’Conor continuing their centre partnership.

At half-back, Ben Vellacott and Cammy Scott combine for the third successive week, while 19-year-old Ollie Blyth-Lafferty is set to make his 1872 Cup debut in the front-row alongside Ewan Ashman and Schoeman.

What Is the 1872 Cup?

First contested in 1872, the fixture between Glasgow and Edinburgh is the oldest inter-city rugby rivalry in the world.

Now played annually as a two-legged contest, the 1872 Cup sees Scotland’s professional teams go head-to-head across home-and-away matches, with aggregate score deciding the winner. Every tackle, every carry and every point matters.

For players and supporters alike, this is more than just a match it’s history, identity and rivalry rolled into one.

Match day Improvements at Hampden

Following supporter feedback after last year’s opening leg, Glasgow Warriors and Hampden Park have worked closely to enhance the matchday experience at Hampden for 2025, including:

• Expanded bar and kiosk operations across the North, East and West Stands, with more units open than in 2024
• Dedicated food-only and drink-only kiosks to reduce queues and speed up service
• Warriors favourites on sale, including the iconic Warrior Pie, available from multiple locations
• New outdoor street food market in the North East of the stadium campus (accessible to North and East Stand ticket holders)
• Improved stewarding and wayfinding to help supporters access seats more easily
• Earlier stadium access to ease arrivals and reduce congestion

Supporter feedback has been central to these improvements, with the focus on delivering a smoother, more enjoyable Hampden experience for the Warrior Nation.

What’s On

From pre-match entertainment and fan zones to enhanced food and drink, fundraising initiatives and in-stadium displays, there’s plenty happening at Hampden Park to make the opening leg of the 1872 Cup a full matchday experience.

• Pre-match entertainment from GBX’s George Bowie, live in the stadium ahead of kick-off
• Match ball delivery by Glasgow Warriors legend Tommy Hayes
• Scottish Rugby Store open at Lesser Hampden (12pm–6pm) for matchday merch
• Enhanced food & drink offering, with expanded bars and kiosks across the stadium
• East Street Food Market featuring local traders and Scotstoun favourites (North & East Stand access only)
• Warriors Pies available from food kiosks throughout the stadium
• Half-time performance from the Strathclyde University Cheerleaders
• Limited-edition 1872 Cup Matchday Programme, with proceeds supporting Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
• Siobhan Cattigan Legacy of Love collection, with volunteers fundraising around the stadium
• North Stand TIFO, inviting supporters to take part during the match

Be There: Tickets Still Available

With kick-off just one day away, tickets remain available, but demand is high as the countdown continues.

🎟 Secure your seat now and be part of rugby’s oldest derby. Click here for full event information.