Squad named for The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly

A Glasgow Warriors playing group containing a blend of established internationals and fresh faces will take to the field at Scotstoun tomorrow night, as Franco Smith’s squad return home to take on Connacht in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly.

In what will be the club’s final pre-season hit-out prior to opening their BKT United Rugby Championship title defence, seven of the starting XV will receive their first taste of pre-season action in Glasgow colours under the Saturday night lights.

Secure your seats at Scotstoun on Saturday 7 September for The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly 🙌

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— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) August 29, 2024

Summer arrivals Rory Sutherland and Adam Hastings are amongst that cohort, the Scotland duo set for their first action since linking up with Smith’s squad at Scotstoun earlier this summer.

Patick Schickerling and Angus Fraser join Sutherland in the front-row for tomorrow evening’s encounter, the former set to experience Scotstoun for the first time since his summer switch from Exeter Chiefs.

Richie Gray partners Jare Oguntibeju in the engine room, with former Scotland U20 second-rower Oguntibeju another set for his first outing at Scotstoun after an impressive shift in defeat in Parma last weekend.

Jack Dempsey is the only alteration to the starting back-row ahead of tomorrow night, the number eight coming into the starting lineup in a trio completed by Euan Ferrie and Henco Venter on the flanks.

Behind the scrum, Ben Afshar partners Hastings in the half-backs, with the Scotland fly-half returning to Scotstoun for the first time in his second stint as a Glasgow Warrior.

Stafford McDowall captains the squad from the midfield, as he resumes what was a successful partnership with Tom Jordan in the centres.

Josh McKay is the only member of the back-three to retain his spot in the starting lineup, as Kyle Rowe and Jamie Dobie are selected on the wings following their exploits on Scotland’s tour of the Americas this summer.

A 15-strong bench includes hooker Joe Roberts for the first time, the Aberdonian selected for his first taste of Glasgow Warriors action since linking up with the club’s senior academy earlier this summer.

Nathan McBeth, Max Williamson and Gregor Brown are all named amongst the replacements for the first time since making their Scotland debuts earlier this summer, with fellow internationals Jamie Bhatti, Grant Stewart and Duncan Weir – last weekend’s captain in Parma – also amongst those awaiting their opportunity from the bench tomorrow night.

Elsewhere, Fin Richardson, Jack Mann and Logan Trotter also await their first run-out as a senior squad member at Scotstoun, whilst senior academy talents Macenzzie Duncan and Ben Salmon are amongst the replacements after their involvement in Parma last weekend.

The replacements are rounded out by Sean Kennedy, Duncan Munn and Sebastian Cancelliere, the latter having crossed for an unforgettable score against the DHL Stormers in last season’s BKT URC quarter-final on his last run out at Scotstoun.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org:

“We’re excited to return home to run out in front of our supporters tomorrow evening, as we continue to build towards the start of the new campaign.

“Tomorrow represents another opportunity for some of our young prospects to experience top-level rugby, as well as presenting us with a chance to gradually bring our established professionals back into the fold.

“We look forward to the challenge Connacht will bring and we look forward to running out in front of the Warrior Nation tomorrow night.”

Tickets are still available for tomorrow night’s match – click here to secure your seat at Scotstoun!

Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly at Scotstoun, Saturday 7 September, kick-off 6pm.

1 Rory Sutherland
2 Angus Fraser
3 Patrick Schickerling
4 Jare Oguntibeju
5 Richie Gray
6 Euan Ferrie
7 Henco Venter
8 Jack Dempsey

9 Ben Afshar
10 Adam Hastings
11 Kyle Rowe
12 Tom Jordan
13 Stafford McDowall (C)
14 Jamie Dobie
15 Josh McKay

Replacements

Grant Stewart, Nathan McBeth, Fin Richardson, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, Sean Kennedy, Duncan Weir, Duncan Munn, Joe Roberts, Jamie Bhatti, Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Mann, Ben Salmon, Logan Trotter, Sebastian Cancelliere.