Ritchie to make Glasgow Warriors debut

The summer arrival from USA Perpignan lines up as part of a starting XV showing five changes from last weekend’s bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup, as Franco Smith’s men run out for their first Scottish-Italian Shield fixture of the 2026/27 season.

Something spooky is coming to Scotstoun… 👻 🆚 10bet Lions Friday 30 October, 7:45pm 🎃 https://t.co/yvPXs3by8O https://t.co/uVpJpbt5s7

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 21, 2026

There’s also a first start in Glasgow colours for Matthew Urwin, the former Scotland U20 fly-half selected in the number 10 jersey for the first time since signing his first professional contract with the club over the summer.

Rory Sutherland comes into the front row for his first appearance of the campaign after recovering from a calf injury, as he joins Seb Stephen and Zander Fagerson up front for Saturday’s encounter.

Max Williamson comes into the starting XV to make his 50^th appearance for the club, partnering Scott Cummings in the engine room after missing out on last weekend’s victory.

Ritchie’s inclusion on the blindside sees Euan Ferrie shift to number eight for this weekend’s clash, Rory Darge completing the back-row after an all-action display against Sale Sharks last time out.

Jamie Dobie moves from the wing to scrum-half for his first run-out in the number nine shirt this season, the centurion lining up alongside Urwin in the half-backs.

An unchanged midfield combination sees last weekend’s Player of the Match, Sione Tuipulotu, line up at inside centre, Stafford McDowall continuing alongside him at outside centre.

Ollie Smith comes into the lineup to start on the wing after a try-scoring cameo at the Corpacq Stadium last time out, joining captain Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe in the back three.

Gregor Hiddleston returns to the matchday 23 after being withdrawn from last weekend’s due to injury, as he joins Nathan McBeth and Murphy Walker as the cover in the front row.

Alex Craig rotates to the bench in the week he agreed to extend his contract with the club, with Jare Oguntibeju and Gregor Brown completing a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.

Plenty more to come ⚔️ https://t.co/upvwwGw6C0

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 21, 2026

Callum Reidy and Bayley Kuenzle cover the backline, the former having been included in every matchday 23 so far this season.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that Benetton will pose a stern test on Saturday afternoon, as they defend a proud record in front of a vocal home support.

“Training this week has been sharp and competitive, with everyone putting their hands up to compete for selection.

“We look forward to seeing Jamie in a Glasgow Warriors shirt for the first time, too – he has worked hard to earn the opportunity and will give his all for his teammates.”

Glasgow Warriors to face Benetton at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Saturday 24 October, kick-off 3pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Rory Sutherland (26)
2 Seb Stephen (22)
3 Zander Fagerson (178)
4 Max Williamson (49)
5 Scott Cummings (159)
6 Jamie Ritchie (0)
7 Rory Darge (84)
8 Euan Ferrie (59)

9 Jamie Dobie (103)
10 Matthew Urwin (1)
11 Ollie Smith (69)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (91)
13 Stafford McDowall (121)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (111)
15 Kyle Rowe (58)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (52)
17 Nathan McBeth (73)
18 Murphy Walker (23)
19 Alex Craig (17)
20 Jare Oguntibeju (27)
21 Gregor Brown (52)
22 Callum Reidy (2)
23 Bayley Kuenzle (3)

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