Steyn returns to Captain Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors club captain Kyle Steyn will make his return from injury in Sunday afternoon’s 1872 Cup opener against Edinburgh at Hampden Park, as he leads his side into their biggest-ever home match this weekend.

The winger is one of 13 internationals named in the starting XV for the latest instalment of Scotland’s oldest rugby rivalry, as he lines up for his first appearance since scoring a brace of tries in September’s victory over Benetton at Scotstoun.

Jamie Bhatti is the sole survivor in the front-row from last weekend’s meeting with Toulon, as Johnny Matthews and Zander Fagerson – who extended his contract with Franco Smith’s side earlier this week – come in to start.

Gregor Brown lines up in the second-row after recovering from a chest injury sustained in Scotland’s victory over Fiji last month, the Aberdonian packing down alongside Scott Cummings in the engine room.

Two changes to the back-row mean that Ally Miller – a try-scorer in last season’s victory over Edinburgh at Scotstoun last season – and Matt Fagerson start on the flanks, with Jack Mann retaining his place at number eight.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Tom Jordan combine in the half-backs, the former having scored a hat-trick against Sale Sharks on his last start in Glasgow colours.

Huw Jones comes into the midfield in place of Stafford McDowall, with Sione Tuipulotu lining up at inside-centre for the clash with the capital outfit.

Steyn’s inclusion sees Kyle Rowe shift to full-back, as Sebastian Cancelliere completes the back-three for Sunday afternoon’s showdown on the southside.

Gregor Hiddleston rotates to the bench after starting both of Glasgow’s opening matches in the Investec Champions Cup, with Rory Sutherland and Patrick Schickerling – who is set to experience the 1872 Cup for the first time since his arrival at Scotstoun this summer – joining him as the front-row cover.

Alex Samuel wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Grant Stewart and Angus Fraser are both selected in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

The matchday 23 is rounded out by Jamie Dobie and Duncan Weir, as the squad prepares to break new ground in the professional history of Glasgow Warriors.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Derby matches always provide a unique challenge, and we know we must be at our best to meet the challenge of a highly-talented Edinburgh squad.

“We’re pleased to welcome both Kyle and Gregor back into our matchday 23; both men have worked hard with our medical and S&C teams to get back to full fitness and be ready for Sunday.

“Everyone is excited to be part of an historic occasion for the club, and we look forward to hearing Hampden roar.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Edinburgh at Hampden Park, Sunday 22 December, kick-off 3pm. Tickets are still available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (111)
2 Johnny Matthews (82)
3 Zander Fagerson (156)
4 Gregor Brown (26)
5 Scott Cummings (133)
6 Ally Miller (30)
7 Matt Fagerson (119)
8 Jack Mann (4)

9 George Horne (126)
10 Tom Jordan (58)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (79)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (62)
13 Huw Jones (75)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (44)
15 Kyle Rowe (25)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (17)
17 Rory Sutherland (6)
18 Patrick Schickerling (3)
19 Alex Samuel (23)
20 Grant Stewart (52)
21 Angus Fraser (15)
22 Jamie Dobie (76)
23 Duncan Weir (155)

Unavailable for selection: Rory Darge (head), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), Stafford McDowall (suspension), Josh McKay (thigh), JP du Preez (knee), Jare Oguntibeju (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Henco Venter (head), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 16th league game)
AR 1: Sam Grove-White (SRU)  AR 2: Ru Campbell (SRU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)