Steyn and Vailanu return for Munster clash

Sione Vailanu and Kyle Steyn will both make their return from injury tomorrow night, as Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith also welcomes back nine players from Scotland duty for this weekend’s clash with Munster at Scotstoun.

The match – which will also see the Warrior Nation celebrate the tenth anniversary of the club’s 2014/15 title victory – will see the Warriors look to continue their push for the BKT United Rugby Championship playoffs, with the two teams having last met in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 competition.

A limited number of standing match tickets have just been released for Friday night’s game 🆚 Munster!

Don’t miss out 👉 https://t.co/V0mWWOzfVr pic.twitter.com/07u4wjdw9q

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) March 19, 2025

Patrick Schickerling switches from loose-head to tight-head for tomorrow night’s encounter, with the Namibian-born prop joined by Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews in the front-row.

An unchanged second-row combination sees Jare Oguntibeju once again partnered with Alex Samuel, the third successive match in which the pair have started alongside each other.

The returning Vailanu makes his first Glasgow Warriors appearance since victory over Edinburgh in December 2023 after recovering from a knee injury, as the Tongan powerhouse lines up alongside Euan Ferrie and Jack Mann in the back-row.

George Horne returns to the starting XV after a two-try showing against the Dragons on his last start in Glasgow colours, the scrum-half linking up with Adam Hastings under the Friday night lights.

Ollie Smith continues at outside-centre for the fourth match in succession, whilst Stafford McDowall comes into the midfield after returning from an impressive Guinness Six Nations campaign in Scotland colours.

Steyn captains the side from the wing after completing his rehabilitation on an injury sustained against Racing 92 in January, as Sebastian Cancelliere and Kyle Rowe complete the back-three.

Two of Scotland’s standout players in Paris last weekend are amongst the replacements awaiting their opportunity from the bench tomorrow night, as Gregor Brown and Matt Fagerson – who made 29 carries between them at the Stade de France last Saturday – are selected by Smith and his coaching team.

Nathan McBeth is another to return from the Scotland squad for tomorrow night’s clash, with the loose-head joined by Grant Stewart and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover.

JP du Preez continues in the number 19 jersey after making his first appearance for 650 days against the Ospreys last time out, whilst the back-line is covered by Ben Afshar and Duncan Weir – the sole survivor in the playing group from the 2015 Grand Final.

The try that got the party started – as remembered by those that were there🔥

Watch in full now! https://t.co/1v2hDr0ap5 #WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/l5UWamWdwP

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) March 19, 2025

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’re looking forward to be back in action this weekend, as we kick off a run of three home matches in front of the Warrior Nation.

“We know that the rivalry with Munster is known to everyone, but we’re concentrating on reintegrating everyone back into our environment after the Six Nations to help grow our continuity for the rest of the season.

“We’re also pleased to welcome Sione and Kyle back to the lineup after their respective injuries; both men have worked hard in their rehabilitation with our medical and S&C teams, and are raring to go tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Scotstoun, Friday 21 March, kick-off 7.35pm. Limited tickets are still remaining for the match – click here.

1 Jamie Bhatti (116)
2 Johnny Matthews (88)
3 Patrick Schickerling (7)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (5)
5 Alex Samuel (30)
6 Euan Ferrie (29)
7 Sione Vailanu (28)
8 Jack Mann (10)

9 George Horne (130)
10 Adam Hastings (60)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (82)
12 Stafford McDowall (84)
13 Ollie Smith (41)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (51)
15 Kyle Rowe (28)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (57)
17 Nathan McBeth (49)
18 Sam Talakai (13)
19 JP du Preez (26)
20 Gregor Brown (30)
21 Matt Fagerson (123)
22 Ben Afshar (16)
23 Duncan Weir (161)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), Huw Jones (head/ankle), Josh McKay (ankle), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Henco Venter (hand), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Standing tickets are also available priced at £20.

Please note, supporters should select the quality they are looking to purchase before selecting the ‘Standing’ option. This will ensure more than one standing ticket can be purchased per transaction.