Two debuts for 2025/26 season opener

Dan Lancaster and Kerr Yule will make their debuts for Glasgow Warriors under the Friday night lights this weekend, as Franco Smith’s squad welcomes the Hollywoodbets Sharks to Scotstoun.

The pair are both rewarded for their impressive form during pre-season with places in the starting XV, as the Warriors prepare to kick off their 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship campaign.

Fully charged and ready for Friday 🔋

🎟️ https://t.co/tUjSiEYia4 #WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/S2r0K3gYS2

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) September 23, 2025

Johnny Matthews packs down between Jamie Bhatti and Fin Richardson in the front-row, the hooker having crossed for a memorable bonus-point-securing try in the club’s last meeting with the squad from Durban.

Jare Oguntibeju partners Alex Samuel in the engine room, having started together in the pre-season victory over Northampton Saints a fortnight ago.

Jack Dempsey will make his first competitive appearance for the club since January after recovering from an injury sustained on Scotland duty during the Guinness Six Nations, as he combines with Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge in an all-international back-row.

Lancaster is handed the number 10 shirt after his summer arrival from Racing 92, lining up outside George Horne in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall captains the side from outside centre, the skipper partnering Yule in a powerful midfield combination.

Josh McKay starts at full-back, with Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith linking up with the New Zealand-born flyer in the back-three.

A six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench sees a trio of British & Irish Lions ready to make an impact, as Scott Cummings, Rory Sutherland and Gregor Brown all take their places amongst the replacements.

Gregor Hiddleston and Sam Talakai join Sutherland as the front-row cover, whilst Euan Ferrie wears the number 21 jersey.

The backline is covered by Jamie Dobie and Adam Hastings, with both men having been prominent on Scotland’s summer tour.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Playing at Scotstoun is always a privilege and we are looking forward to starting a new campaign at home in front of our home supporters.

“We know that home support will be vital and we know that the Warrior Nation will be make themselves heard tomorrow night.

“Even without their South African internationals, the Sharks are proof that there are no underpowered teams in the BKT URC – their squad is built to perform and their depth was a key factor in them finishing in the top four last season.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks at Scotstoun, Friday 26 September, kick-off 8.05pm. Tickets are still available for the match – click here.

1 Jamie Bhatti (126)
2 Johnny Matthews (97)
3 Fin Richardson (8)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (9)
5 Alex Samuel (40)
6 Matt Fagerson (125)
7 Rory Darge (67)
8 Jack Dempsey (55)

9 George Horne (139)
10 Dan Lancaster (0)
11 Ollie Smith (45)
12 Kerr Yule (0)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (94)
14 Kyle Rowe (37)
15 Josh McKay (64)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (27)
17 Rory Sutherland (12)
18 Sam Talakai (21)
19 Scott Cummings (142)
20 Gregor Brown (35)
21 Euan Ferrie (39)
22 Jamie Dobie (88)
23 Adam Hastings (70)

Unavailable for selection: Ben Afshar (head), Alex Craig (hamstring), Zander Fagerson (knee), Huw Jones (ankle), Nathan McBeth (calf), Ally Miller (back), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Patrick Schickerling (foot), Grant Stewart (foot), Kyle Steyn (hand), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck)

Match Officials

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 68th league game)
AR 1: Ru Campbell (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)