Watson to make first appearance of season
8 Oct 2026Fergus Watson will make his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign this weekend, after being selected in the starting XV for tomorrow night’s clash with Connacht at Scotstoun.
The winger is one of six changes to the lineup that took to the field for last Saturday’s draw with Ulster, as Franco Smith’s squad run out under the Friday night lights for the first time this season.
Nathan McBeth starts at loose-head in the only alteration to the front row that started last time out, as he joins Gregor Hiddleston and Fin Richardson at the coal face for tomorrow’s encounter.
Scott Cummings makes his first start of the season after coming off the bench in the opening two rounds, partnering Max Williamson in the second row.
Matt Fagerson shifts to blindside to accommodate Macenzzie Duncan at number eight, with Rory Darge completing the back row as he lines up on the openside flank.
Behind the scrum, Jamie Dobie shifts from wing to scrum-half to wear the number nine jersey for the first time in 2026/27, as he pairs up with Dan Lancaster in the half-backs.
Sione Tuipulotu captains the squad from inside centre, whilst Ollie Smith comes into the midfield to replace Stafford McDowall following the latter’s head injury last weekend.
Watson is the only new face in an otherwise unchanged back three, Kyle Rowe – scorer of a brace of tries last time out – and Josh McKay completing the starting XV.
Patrick Schickerling rotates to the bench after starting the opening two rounds, joining Seb Stephen and Sam Talakai as the front row cover for tomorrow’s match.
Jare Oguntibeju returns from an injury sustained in pre-season to take his place amongst the replacements, as Gregor Brown and Ally Miller complete a six-two split of forwards and backs.
George Horne and Bayley Kuenzle cover the back line between them, the pair having been instrumental in the last-ditch try-saving tackle that secured a share of the spoils against Ulster last time out.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Connacht will pose a strong challenge tomorrow night – we know from our meetings with them last season that they will test us both with and without the ball and have a squad that can cause problems for any team in the league.
“We know that they will compete across all areas of the field, so we must be at our best to meet their challenge.
“The players have trained hard this weekend, with real competition for each jersey as everyone puts their hand up to be involved.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht at Scotstoun, Friday 9 October, kick-off 7.45pm. There are limited tickets remaining for the match – click here to book your seat.
1 Nathan McBeth (71)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (51)
3 Fin Richardson (16)
4 Max Williamson (48)
5 Scott Cummings (157)
6 Matt Fagerson (143)
7 Rory Darge (82)
8 Macenzzie Duncan (17)
9 Jamie Dobie (101)
10 Dan Lancaster (25)
11 Fergus Watson (2)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (89)
13 Ollie Smith (67)
14 Kyle Rowe (56)
15 Josh McKay (84)
Replacements
16 Seb Stephen (20)
17 Patrick Schickerling (30)
18 Sam Talakai (46)
19 Gregor Brown (50)
20 Jare Oguntibeju (25)
21 Ally Miller (49)
22 George Horne (158)
23 Bayley Kuenzle (2)
Unavailable for selection: Ben Afshar (ankle), Ryan Burke (knee), Alex Craig (hamstring), Zander Fagerson (knee), Euan Ferrie (knee), Ruaraidh Hart (rib), Stafford McDowall (head), Duncan Munn (hamstring), Alex Samuel (knee), Charlie Savala (knee), Kyle Steyn (foot), Rory Sutherland (calf).
