Wilson names squad for trip to Worcester

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has named a 30-strong squad for the club’s final pre-season outing ahead of the 2021/22 season, as his side travels to Sixways to take on Worcester Warriors on Friday night.

Five players are set to be involved after missing last weekend’s clash with Newcastle Falcons, whilst four of the club’s FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy talents also take their place in the matchday squad.

? Glasgow Warriors Members can watch their side complete their 2021/22 pre-season schedule this Friday night, with the clash with @WorcsWarriors at Sixways to be live-streamed exclusively to Season Ticket and Warrior Nation Members.#WhateverItTakes ⚔️?️
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) September 7, 2021

Summer signing Simon Berghan is named in a Glasgow Warriors squad for the first time since making the switch from Edinburgh, with the tight-head lining up alongside Tom Lambert and Johnny Matthews in the front row.

An unchanged second-row sees Richie Gray join Lewis Bean in the engine room, the latter returning to one of his former clubs for the first time as a Glasgow player.

Scott Cummings is named on the blindside flank after coming off the bench last time out, with club co-captain Ryan Wilson and Rory Darge completing the pack.

George Horne is included for the first time in this pre-season campaign, as the former Howe of Fife man links up with Ross Thompson in the half-backs.

Sam Johnson comes into the starting XV at inside centre, whilst Sione Tuipulotu continues at outside centre after impressing against Newcastle last Friday night.

The back-three combination sees Stafford McDowall selected at full-back for the first time in his Glasgow career, with the lightning-quick pair of Cole Forbes and Rufus McLean flanking him on the wings.

Australian international Jack Dempsey is in contention for his first run-out in a Glasgow shirt after being selected amongst the replacements, which also see loose-head Brad Thyer included after the Welshman arrived on a short-term loan deal from Cardiff Rugby earlier this week.

Murray McCallum and Murphy Walker both retain their places in the matchday squad from last Friday night, as does Grant Stewart at hooker.

Rob Harley and Max Williamson provide cover at second-row, whilst Thomas Gordon and Rory Jackson join Dempsey in the options at back-row.

Jamie Dobie retains his spot amongst the replacements, as Duncan Weir rotates to the bench after his try-scoring outing against the Falcons last time out.

Pete Horne, Nick Grigg, Ollie Smith and Finlay Callaghan complete the replacements, as Glasgow look to round out their pre-season preparations with a positive result at Sixways.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “Our game against Newcastle was our first opportunity for our squad to get some game time under their belts. We exposed 30 players to the game, which we don’t get the opportunity to do very often.

“This week, we will be looking to build on some of the areas that were positive as well as some of the areas we need to improve on.

“Again, we are looking forward to exposing a variety of combinations on Friday night. Worcester start their league campaign next week so we expect to face a strong team tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium, Friday 10 September, kick-off 7pm. You can follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Tom Lambert
2. Johnny Matthews
3. Simon Berghan
4. Lewis Bean
5. Richie Gray
6. Scott Cummings
7. Rory Darge
8. Ryan Wilson (C)

9. George Horne
10. Ross Thompson
11. Cole Forbes
12. Sam Johnson
13. Sione Tuipulotu
14. Rufus McLean
15. Stafford McDowall

Replacements: Grant Stewart, Brad Thyer*, Murray McCallum, Murphy Walker**, Rob Harley, Max Williamson**, Rory Jackson**, Thomas Gordon, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Duncan Weir, Pete Horne, Nick Grigg, Ollie Smith, Finlay Callaghan**.

*on loan from Cardiff Rugby
**FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy