Alex Samuel returns to the Glasgow Warriors starting XV for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht, as Franco Smith’s men look to continue their unbeaten run upon their return to league action.
The inclusion of Samuel in the second-row is the only alteration to the team that claimed a bonus-point victory over Munster at Scotstoun last month, a result which saw the Warriors sitting in pole position in the BKT URC standings going into the international break.
As a result, an unchanged front-row sees Seb Stephen pack down at hooker for the Origin Round fixture, with Jamie Bhatti and Murphy Walker lining up alongside him as the starting props.
Jare Oguntibeju partners Samuel in the second-row, having touched down for one of Glasgow’s four tries in victory over Munster last time out.
Angus Fraser continues at openside, joining Euan Ferrie and Ally Miller in the back-row that will run out in Galway tomorrow afternoon.
Ben Afshar and Dan Lancaster combine once more as the half-backs, the latter having also touched down for his first try at Scotstoun during the victory over Munster.
Stafford McDowall is released from Scotland camp to captain the squad from outside centre, pairing up with Kerr Yule as the midfield combination.
The back-three sees Josh McKay flanked by Ollie Smith and Kyle Rowe, the latter having crossed for a brace of tries in Scotland A’s 24-24 draw with Italy XV earlier this month.
Jack Oliver is named amongst the replacements in the week that saw the scrum-half put pen to paper on a first professional contract with the club, having impressed since joining the club’s academy in the closing stages of the 2024/25 season.
A trio of Scotland internationals await their opportunity from the bench, as Gregor Hiddleston, Alex Craig and Adam Hastings all return to Glasgow colours after being part of the Scotland camp for the opening three rounds of the Guinness Six Nations.
Patrick Schickerling and Sam Talakai provide the cover at prop, as Macenzzie Duncan and Sione Vailanu round out the replacements in a six-two split of forwards and backs.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Training has been sharp this week, as we prepare for our return to BKT URC action tomorrow afternoon.
“Connacht possess a squad that blends a physical forward pack with backs that can threaten from anywhere on the field, and have welcomed back their internationals for this fixture – they pose a difficult proposition for any side on the competition.
“We are fully focused on our own performance levels, however, and we want to ensure that we put out the best version of ourselves possible tomorrow afternoon.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht at Dexcom Stadium, Saturday 28 February, kick-off 3pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre.
1 Jamie Bhatti | Hillfoots (131)
2 Seb Stephen | Garioch (11)
3 Murphy Walker | Dundee Eagles (21)
4 Jare Oguntibeju | Meridian Pinehurst (15)
5 Alex Samuel | Madras (47)
6 Euan Ferrie | East Kilbride (49)
7 Angus Fraser | Dundee Eagles (24)
8 Ally Miller | Musselburgh (43)
9 Ben Afshar | Edinburgh Academical (32)
10 Dan Lancaster | West Park Leeds (13)
11 Ollie Smith | Marr (57)
12 Kerr Yule | West of Scotland (3)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) | Stewartry (108)
14 Kyle Rowe | Queen Victoria School (46)
15 Josh McKay | Kaiapoi (72)
Replacements
16 Gregor Hiddleston | Dumfries Saints (39)
17 Patrick Schickerling | Walvis Bay High School (19)
18 Sam Talakai | Waverley College (34)
19 Alex Craig | Stewartry (13)
20 Sione Vailanu | Hihifo (36)
21 Macenzzie Duncan | Clevedon (10)
22 Jack Oliver | Garryowen (2)
23 Adam Hastings | George Watson’s College (82)
Flyguardx
Ellyse Perry played football world cups and women’s cricket.
Winter Underdog
Sport Trivia: Who was the first golfer to win The Open (aka the British Open) in three different decades? Answer: Gary Player. Gary Player won The Open in 1959, 1968, and 1974. He went on to win 9 majors. He also set a record for playing in the most US Masters, with his 52nd in 2009. He was part of the big three in golf, playing in the 1960s together with Jack Nicklaus and Arnie Palmer. He is also known for his famous quote: \”The harder you practice the luckier you get.\”