Smith returns as Weir captains Glasgow Warriors for first time

Ollie Smith will make his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors in 407 days when he runs out onto the pitch at Scotstoun this weekend, after being named in the starting XV to take on Connacht this Sunday in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

The Scotland international is named at outside centre for the Burns Weekend clash in a squad that will be led by Duncan Weir, the fly-half assuming the captaincy for the first time in his 158 appearances for Glasgow Warriors.

All eyes on Sunday 👀

🎟️ https://t.co/Z4AkHkXmfb #WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/C9RnJSZfAx

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) January 23, 2025

Johnny Matthews is the only member of the front-row that started away at Harlequins last time out to retain his place for this weekend, as Patrick Schickerling and Fin Richardson come in to start alongside the hooker at the coal face.

Alex Samuel starts in the second-row in the week it was announced that the Scotland international had extended his contract with the club, with Euan Ferrie continuing in the engine room after starting last time out.

An all-new back-row sees Jack Mann released from Scotland camp to start at number eight, joining Ally Miller and Henco Venter as the loose forwards selected for Sunday’s match-up.

Ben Afshar starts at scrum-half after impressing off the bench last time out, with Weir leading the team from fly-half.

Smith is partnered in the centres by Duncan Munn, the former Scotland U20 captain starting a match in Glasgow Warriors colours for the first time in his professional career.

Argentinian flyers Facundo Cordero and Sebastian Cancelliere line up on the wings, whilst Josh McKay continues at full-back to round out the starting lineup.

There are three potential debutants awaiting their opportunity from the replacements bench, with 12 players retained by Scotland ahead of next weekend’s Guinness Six Nations opener.

Macenzzie Duncan is once again selected in a matchday 23 after being an unused replacement against the Scarlets at the end of November, whilst Joe Roberts and Kerr Johnston are included in a Glasgow Warriors matchday squad for the first time.

Sean Kennedy could make his first appearance of the season after being named alongside Johnston as one of the two backs on the bench, with Nathan McBeth set for a first run-out since October’s clash with the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban after recovering from injury.

Grant Stewart and Angus Fraser are both selected amongst a six-two split, as Sam Talakai continues in the number 18 jersey to complete the matchday squad.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Connacht will pose a stern test this weekend, and have been performing very well in their European fixtures in the last couple of weeks, showing the quality they possess within their playing group.

“We have a great squad at Scotstoun, and Sunday presents an opportunity for some players that have earned their chance to perform at home.

“We’re also pleased to welcome Ollie back into our lineup after over 13 months – he has worked diligently with our medical and physio teams, and we know that he is ready to pull on a Glasgow shirt once more.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht at Scotstoun, Sunday 26 January, kick-off 3.30pm. Tickets are still available for the match at glasgowwarriors.org

1 Patrick Schickerling (4)
2 Johnny Matthews (85)
3 Fin Richardson (1)
4 Euan Ferrie (26)
5 Alex Samuel (27)
6 Ally Miller (33)
7 Henco Venter (29)
8 Jack Mann (7)

9 Ben Afshar (13)
10 Duncan Weir (C) (158)
11 Facundo Cordero (6)
12 Duncan Munn (2)
13 Ollie Smith (38)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (48)
15 Josh McKay (59)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (54)
17 Nathan McBeth (46)
18 Sam Talakai (11)
19 Macenzzie Duncan (0)
20 Joe Roberts (0)
21 Angus Fraser (16)
22 Sean Kennedy (30)
23 Kerr Johnston (0)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Adam Hastings (face), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle) Jare Oguntibeju (knee), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

International duty: Gregor Brown, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall, Kyle Rowe, Rory Sutherland.

Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 42nd league game)
AR 1: Sam Grove-White (SRU) AR 2: Ru Campbell (SRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)