Watson to make Glasgow Warriors debut

The former Scotland U20 flyer – who impressed during his outings for the club in pre-season – will start in a side showing eight changes from last weekend’s victory over Leinster, as Franco Smith’s men look to continue their recent momentum at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

📊 Here’s how we shape up against this weekend’s visitors 👊

🎟️ There’s still time to book your seat for Friday’s clash with Benetton! https://t.co/iwNQWghKTe#WhateverItTakes | Ross Hall Hospital pic.twitter.com/IwQxCukfmA

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) March 25, 2026

Johnny Matthews returns from injury to make his first appearance since December’s 1872 Cup victory over Edinburgh at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, joining Patrick Schickerling and Fin Richardson in the front-row for tomorrow’s clash.

An all-new second-row pairing sees Jare Oguntibeju pack down alongside Max Williamson in the engine room, the latter starting for the first time since returning from Scotland camp.

The back-row is unchanged, meaning Macenzzie Duncan – who crossed for his first try at Scotstoun last time out – links up with Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu in the loose-forwards.

Ben Afshar has recovered from a shoulder injury sustained whilst training with Scotland to take his place at scrum-half, pairing up with Adam Hastings for the visit of the men from Treviso.

Sione Tuipulotu captains the side from the midfield as he replaces Stafford McDowall at inside centre, with Huw Jones also making his first appearance since the Guinness Six Nations by lining up in the number 13 jersey.

Ollie Smith joins debutant Watson on the wings, whilst Josh McKay retains his place at full-back to round out the starting XV.

A six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements sees Jack Oliver and Dan Lancaster cover the back-line, Lancaster rotating to the bench after starting at fly-half last time out.

Jamie Bhatti comes into the matchday 23 to join Seb Stephen and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover, whilst Angus Fraser retains the number 21 jersey to cover the back-row.

The replacements are completed by Alex Samuel and Alex Craig, the former having turned in a Player of the Match-winning performance against Leinster last Saturday night.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Fergus has worked hard with our medical and S&C teams to put himself in the best position possible ahead of his debut, and we are excited to see him run out in the Glasgow jersey tomorrow night.

“We know that Benetton will provide a stern test tomorrow night – they are in the thick of the race for the playoffs and will compete for every opportunity.

“They will bring a squad full of international-calibre talent, and we must be at our best to meet their challenge.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Benetton at Scotstoun, Friday 27 March, kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets are still available for the match – click here to book your seat.

1 Patrick Schickerling (21)
2 Johnny Matthews (104)
3 Fin Richardson (13)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (17)
5 Max Williamson (44)
6 Euan Ferrie (51)
7 Sione Vailanu (38)
8 Macenzzie Duncan (12)

9 Ben Afshar (33)
10 Adam Hastings (84)
11 Ollie Smith (59)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (79)
13 Huw Jones (84)
14 Fergus Watson (0)
15 Josh McKay (74)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (13)
17 Jamie Bhatti (132)
18 Sam Talakai (36)
19 Alex Samuel (49)
20 Alex Craig (15)
21 Angus Fraser (26)
22 Jack Oliver (4)
23 Dan Lancaster (15)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (hamstring), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Nathan McBeth (ankle), Charlie Savala (knee), Kyle Steyn (foot), Rory Sutherland (wrist), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).