Steyn returns as captain for Bulls showdown

Having finished the pool stages with a maximum 20 points from a possible 20 to claim second seeding overall for the knockout rounds, Smith’s men know that a home quarter-final awaits if they can overcome the challenge of their South African visitors tomorrow night in front of a sold-out Scotstoun.

Please note – this match is not included with a 2025/26 Season Ticket and passes on the Scottish Rugby Ticketing App will not be active for this game.

Zander Fagerson comes into the lineup to make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance since the conclusion of the Guinness Six Nations, the tight-head lining up alongside Patrick Schickerling and Gregor Hiddleston.

A familiar second-row combination sees Alex Samuel partnered by Max Williamson, the latter having crossed for one of Glasgow’s five tries in victory over Benetton last weekend.

The back-row sees Jack Dempsey – shortlisted for the 2025/26 Investec Player of the Year award after a series of barnstorming displays in the pool stages – pack down at number eight, with Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge also returning for a first outing in Glasgow colours since the end of the Guinness Six Nations.

Behind the scrum, George Horne starts at scrum-half after being rested for the win over Benetton last weekend, as Dan Lancaster starts outside him at fly-half.

Stafford McDowall is named at outside centre after leading the squad to an impressive victory over Leinster a fortnight ago, joining Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield for tomorrow evening’s encounter.

Steyn leads the side from the wing after a pool stage that saw him beat more defenders than any other Warrior, in a back-three completed by Ollie Smith and Josh McKay.

A six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements sees Ben Afshar and Adam Hastings cover the back-line, the latter having claimed Investec Player of the Match honours in December’s win over Stade Toulousain at Scotstoun.

Sam Talakai is selected in the week that it was announced that he has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club, as Seb Stephen and Jamie Bhatti join the tight-head amongst the front-row cover.

Jare Oguntibeju wears the number 19 jersey, with Euan Ferrie and Angus Fraser completing the cohort of replacements for tomorrow’s clash.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are fully aware of the challenge that the Bulls will bring tomorrow evening; they have a squad filled with international-calibre talent and have a strong track record of competing in knockout fixtures.

“We know that we must front up to face what the Bulls throw at us, and training this week has been highly competitive with everyone driving each other forward.

“The atmosphere at Scotstoun in the Champions Cup this season has been on another level, and we know that the Warrior Nation will be in full voice behind us once more tomorrow evening.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun, Saturday 4 April, kick-off 5.30pm. You can follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org, or watch live on Premier Sports.

1 Patrick Schickerling (22)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (41)
3 Zander Fagerson (169)
4 Max Williamson (45)
5 Alex Samuel (50)
6 Matt Fagerson (136)
7 Rory Darge (75)
8 Jack Dempsey (63)

9 George Horne (152)
10 Dan Lancaster (16)
11 Ollie Smith (60)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (80)
13 Stafford McDowall (110)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (103)
15 Josh McKay (75)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (14)
17 Jamie Bhatti (133)
18 Sam Talakai (37)
19 Jare Oguntibeju (18)
20 Euan Ferrie (52)
21 Angus Fraser (27)
22 Ben Afshar (34)
23 Adam Hastings (85)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (hamstring), Alex Craig (foot), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Nathan McBeth (ankle), Kyle Rowe (hip), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).