Weir reaches 150 as Gray and Jones return

Duncan Weir will become only the 14th player in the professional history of Glasgow Warriors to play 150 matches for the club when he runs out this weekend, after being named to start at fly-half for tomorrow night’s clash with Zebre Parma at Scotstoun.

The Cambuslang RFC product is one of 14 internationals selected in tomorrow night’s starting XV, which includes both Richie Gray and Huw Jones upon their return from injuries sustained while on Scotland duty during the Guinness Six Nations.

Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson both come into the lineup after starting on the bench in Johannesburg last time out, with the BKT URC’s top try-scorer packing down between them in the form of Johnny Matthews at hooker.

Gray makes his first appearance in Glasgow colours since picking up a bicep injury in Scotland’s win over Wales back in February, joining Max Williamson in the engine room for tomorrow night’s encounter.

Rory Darge retains his place at openside, as Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey are promoted from the replacements bench in an all-international back-row triumvirate.

Weir starts in the number 10 jersey in the week it was announced that the fly-half had extended his contract with his boyhood club, partnering Jamie Dobie in the half-backs.

Sione Tuipulotu captains the side from inside centre, as he pairs up with the returning Jones in the midfield for the first time since January’s victory over Toulon at Scotstoun.

A brace of Argentinians come into the back-three, as Kyle Rowe shifts to full-back to accommodate the flying pairing of Sebastian Cancelliere and Facundo Cordero.

Gregor Hiddleston makes a return to the matchday 23 after missing the South African double-header due to injury, as the former Dumfries Saint joins Nathan McBeth and Oli Kebble as the front-row cover for tomorrow’s clash.

Scott Cummings wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Euan Ferrie covers the back-row after crossing for his first try in Glasgow colours against the Emirates Lions last time out.

The Glasgow bench features three backs for tomorrow’s match, as George Horne joins Ross Thompson and Tom Jordan amongst the replacements waiting for their opportunity under the Friday night lights.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: ““We are looking forward to returning home for the final match of the regular season tomorrow night, and we know that every point could be crucial in the final standings.

“We are pleased to welcome Huw and Richie back into our matchday 23 – both men have worked hard with our medical and S&C teams and are ready to go out and give their all for the team.

“Zebre will be looking to finish their season on a high, and we know that they have the ability to cause problems for us given the opportunity – we must be at our best across the field tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Scotstoun, Friday 31 May, kick-off 7.35pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (102)
2 Johnny Matthews (69)
3 Zander Fagerson (145)
4 Max Williamson (16)
5 Richie Gray (111)
6 Matt Fagerson (107)
7 Rory Darge (44)
8 Jack Dempsey (46)

9 Jamie Dobie (64)
10 Duncan Weir (149)
11 Sebastian Cancelliere
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (51)
13 Huw Jones (67)
14 Facundo Cordero (3)
15 Kyle Rowe (16)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (8)
17 Nathan McBeth (39)
18 Oli Kebble (101)
19 Scott Cummings (122)
20 Euan Ferrie (17)
21 George Horne (115)
22 Ross Thompson (47)
23 Tom Jordan (46)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), JP du Preez (knee), Stafford McDowall (hand), Alex Samuel (head), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (knee), George Turner (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).