In a fixture that continues to define the domestic rivalry within Scottish rugby, Franco Smith’s side turned early pressure and superior physicality into a five-point haul, leaving Edinburgh with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at Scottish Gas Murrayfield next weekend.

The opening exchanges suggested a closely fought contest, but Glasgow’s intent was clear from the outset. Strong early carries from Scott Cummings and Rory Darge set the platform, and it was Matt Fagerson who struck first, powering over from close range after ten minutes. Adam Hastings converted to give the Warriors an early 7–0 lead.

Edinburgh responded through forward pressure of their own, Dylan Richardson finishing off a lineout-driven attack to reduce the deficit to 7–5. It proved to be a rare moment of reward for the visitors in a half otherwise dominated territorially by Glasgow, who came close on several occasions through Jamie Dobie, Kyle Steyn and Max Williamson, only to be denied by last-ditch defence.

The second half followed a familiar script in recent editions of the rivalry. Glasgow raised the tempo and began to stretch Edinburgh’s defensive structure, with Kyle Steyn and George Horne injecting pace and width as wave after wave of pressure built.

That pressure finally told just after the 50-minute mark. Gregor Hiddleston sparked the move from a quick tap before Rory Darge forced his way over from a metre out, Adam Hastings’ conversion extending the lead to 14–5.

Moments later, Glasgow struck again. A penalty deep in Edinburgh territory allowed the Warriors to unleash their maul, and Hiddleston emerged with the ball for his third try in as many matches. Although Hastings’ conversion struck the upright, the momentum was firmly with the men in black.

Edinburgh showed resolve late on and were rewarded when Grant Gilchrist forced his way over following a strong carry from Paul Hill, Ross Thompson converting to cut the deficit to seven points and briefly threaten a comeback.

Any hope of a capital revival was extinguished three minutes from time. Glasgow’s pack once more asserted control, driving deep into the Edinburgh 22 before Seb Stephen powered over for the bonus-point try — his first in Glasgow colours.

Reflecting on the occasion, Glasgow Warriors forward Seb Stephen said the scale of the crowd made the moment even more special.

“I think that’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” Stephen said. “It’s just special to get the win in front of that many Glasgow supporters.”

The try was reviewed by the TMO following foul play in the build-up, but Stephen was eventually awarded the score.

“I wasn’t sure if it was going to get disallowed or not,” Stephen explained. “Then I realised he hit me in the back, so it wasn’t my fault — I was pretty pleased with it.”

The 21-year-old added that having his family in attendance heightened the significance of the moment.

“It was pretty unreal and special to have my family watching,” Stephen said. “It was such an unreal moment.”

With a 12-point advantage and momentum firmly behind them, Glasgow head east next weekend aiming to close out another clean sweep of the 1872 Cup. Edinburgh, meanwhile, must find a way to turn promise into points if they are to reignite a rivalry that, for now, continues to tilt west. Get your tickets here.

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The atmosphere under the lights in Glasgow was widely praised after the final whistle, with Head Coach Franco Smith hailing the impact the Warriors’ supporters had on the contest and stressing how vital that backing will be once again on Saturday afternoon.

“The atmosphere at Scotstoun on Saturday was one of the loudest we’ve heard in all my time here,” said Smith.

“They made a real difference and got behind us when it mattered most, and we want to see and hear as many of the Warrior Nation at Hampden this Saturday.”

Captain and star centre Sione Tuipulotu echoed his Head Coach’s sentiments, highlighting the role the crowd played in swinging momentum during key moments of the match.

“The support was incredible,” he said.

“That was the loudest it’s been in a long time. They just got behind us – when the momentum swung, we jumped on top of them and that was crowd effort as well.

“Thank you so much to everyone who came out, and come to Hampden next week – we want to give you a performance to match the noise.”

With Hampden Park set to host a rare rugby occasion, the Warriors look to harness the famous Hampden roar and turn it into a home-from-home advantage. For players and supporters alike, Saturday promises to be a special day – and one where the Warrior Nation can once again play its part.

Glasgow Warriors team to face Edinburgh at Hampden Park, Saturday 20 December, kick-off 3pm. Tickets are still available – click here to secure your seat!

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1 Nathan McBeth (62)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (33)
3 Zander Fagerson (164)
4 Max Williamson (39)
5 Scott Cummings (148)
6 Matt Fagerson (131)
7 Rory Darge (70)
8 Jack Dempsey (58)

9 George Horne (146)
10 Adam Hastings (77)
11 Jamie Dobie (94)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (74)
13 Stafford McDowall (101)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (98)
15 Ollie Smith (51)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (5)
17 Rory Sutherland (17)
18 Sam Talakai (28)
19 Alex Craig (6)
20 Gregor Brown (42)
21 Ally Miller (39)
22 Ben Afshar (26)
23 Dan Lancaster (7)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (calf), Euan Ferrie (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Johnny Matthews (neck), Josh McKay (hamstring), Kyle Rowe (knee), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee)

The post Glasgow Warriors team named for 1872 Cup opener appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Form Guide 

Glasgow Warriors

Supporters of Franco Smith’s squad could not have asked for a more perfect lead-in to the opening match of derby season, after the Warriors produced a stunning comeback to earn a 28-21 victory over six-time European champions, Stade Toulousain. 

Despite trailing 21-0 at half-time, Smith’s men scored four tries and 28 unanswered points in the second half to raise the roof at Scotstoun in an atmosphere unparalleled in recent seasons. 

Coupled with the opening round 26-21 away to Sale Sharks, and the Warriors are sitting pretty atop Pool One as the Investec Champions Cup group stages reach the halfway point. 

Edinburgh Rugby 

The capital side enters the opening leg of the 1872 Cup with mixed European form. Their campaign began with a stunning Round One victory over three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon, only to be well beaten by Top 14 opposition, Castres, at Stade Pierre-Fabre this past weekend.  

Edinburgh’s bonus-point victory in the first round demonstrated their potential, particularly the forward pack’s dominance. They successfully bullied the Toulon forwards, with a pushover scrum penalty try perfectly showcasing the strength of the capital’s big men.  

While Sunday’s defeat in Castres involved a much-changed squad from the Toulon victory, it provided invaluable experience to a cohort of younger players.  

Star Men 

Glasgow Warriors: Sione Tuipulotu 

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been in sublime form since returning to Glasgow colours following the Quilter Nations Series, finding himself at the heart of two monumental victories for the Warriors. The BKT Player of the Match in last season’s victory over Edinburgh at Hampden Park, the centre will have his eyes firmly fixed on another statement display this weekend. 

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 24: Warriors Sione Tuipulotu in action during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 24, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Edinburgh Rugby: Duhan van der Merwe  

Duhan van der Merwe has a history of saving his best performances for the 1872 Cup derbies, and his strike rate against Glasgow is exceptional. Following a quieter Quilter Nations Series for Scotland, the giant winger will be desperate to put in a match-defining performance.  

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 07: Edinburgh’s Duhan van der Merwe during an Investec Champions Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and RC Toulon at the Hive Stadium, on December 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ones to Watch 

Glasgow Warriors: Gregor Hiddleston 

Highly rated by coaches and supporters alike at Scotstoun, Gregor Hiddleston produced one of the performances of the weekend in Saturday’s win over Toulouse. A near-flawless lineout display was matched by 20 tackles and the match-winning try for good measure, only adding to the former Dumfries Saint’s burgeoning reputation in the front-row. 

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Warriors’ Gregor Hiddleston in action during a closed door friendly match between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 24, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Edinburgh Rugby: Liam McConnell  

Liam McConnell has started the season in brilliant form, demonstrating the pedigree that saw him skipper his country at age-grade level and earns him a consistent ‘future star’ tag. The 21-year-old will be playing in his first 1872 Cup derby and will be undoubtedly keen to leave his mark on the fixture. 

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 07: Edinburgh’s Liam McConnell during an Investec Champions Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and RC Toulon at the Hive Stadium, on December 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The 1872 Cup is more than a match,  it’s a battle for city pride and over 150 years of rugby history. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic rivalry – grab your tickets now!

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From 2.20pm right through to kick-off, supporters can expect classic GBX anthems, massive remixes, and non-stop atmosphere as the buildup to the derby hits a new gear.

A staple of Scotland’s dance scene for more than two decades, Bowie has packed out venues across the country, headlined festivals, and sound-tracked countless Saturday nights on air.

Now he’ll bring that same electric energy to a packed Hampden Park, adding an extra layer of excitement as Glasgow look to claim bragging rights in the first leg of the 1872 Cup.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot and soak in the full GBX pre-match experience.

With the West Stand Fan Zone open, food and drink offerings available throughout the afternoon, and one of Scotland’s top DJs providing the soundtrack, it’s set to be an unforgettable build-up to derby day.

Tickets for the 1872 Cup match are selling fast – don’t miss your chance to be part of a huge day in Glasgow!

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The origins of the 1872 Cup date back to Christmas Day in 1872, when teams representing Edinburgh District and Glasgow District played the first recorded inter-city rugby match. That historic meeting marked the beginning of a rivalry that has grown for more than 150 years and remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in Scottish rugby.

To honour this tradition, the modern cup competition was reintroduced in 2007, linking today’s professional era to the amateur roots of the sport.

How the Competition Works

The 1872 Cup is typically contested over two legs each season, with one match played in Edinburgh and the other in Glasgow. The winner is decided by aggregate score across both fixtures — the team with the highest total points across the two matches raises the cup.

These matches usually take place around the Christmas and New Year period, adding to the sense of festivity, tradition, and fierce rivalry.

More Than Just a Game

While URC league points are on the line, the 1872 Cup represents far more than table standings. It is a battle for:

• Bragging rights between Scotland’s biggest cities
• Regional pride, reflected in the contrasting identities of the capital and the west

• A place in history, as some of the sport’s finest Scottish players have battled in this fixture

Every season, the matches draw big crowds, create passionate atmospheres, and deliver moments that become part of Scottish sporting folklore.

Recent Trends and Dominance

Both clubs have enjoyed spells of success, trading victories in recent years and keeping the contest thrilling and unpredictable. Its competitive balance is a major reason the Cup continues to captivate supporters across generations.

Why It Matters Today

The 1872 Cup is more than a reminder of rugby’s past; it symbolises Scotland’s sporting culture and the continued growth of the professional game. For fans, it’s a celebration of tradition, rivalry, and the unique excitement of festive-season rugby.

As long as rugby is played in Scotland, the 1872 Cup will remain a highlight of the sporting calendar — linking generations and keeping one of rugby’s oldest rivalries alive.

The 2025/26 1872 Cup: Two Cities. Two Stadiums. One Rivalry.

The next chapter of this historic derby unfolds over two huge festive fixtures:

Leg 1 – Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby

• Hampden Park, Glasgow
• Saturday 20 December 2025
• Kick-off 3pm

Leg 2 – Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors

• Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
• Saturday 27 December 2025
• Kick-off 3pm

Direct Ticket Links

Joint fixtures list:
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/scottishrugby/Events?preFilter=9&preFilterName=1872%20Cup

Glasgow Warriors (Hampden Park):
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/scottishrugby/EDP/Event/Index/5565?position=1

Edinburgh Rugby (Scottish Gas Murrayfield):
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/scottishrugby/EDP/Event/Index/5561?position=2

The post Scotland’s Fiercest Rugby Rivalry: What Is the 1872 Cup? appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Early in the first half, both sides jabbed at each other without much conviction, until the only points of the first half arrived. An excellent 50-22 established an attacking lineout near the line for the hosts. A penalty for not rolling away was forthcoming and Ross Thompson slotted the kick at goal. (Edinburgh 3 – 0 Glasgow, 22 mins)

Thompson then had an opportunity to extend the lead after the half hour mark, but his long-range effort sailed harmlessly to the left of the posts.

Luke Crosbie came closest to scoring the game’s first try, as he stretched over the line with ball in hand, but it was knocked out just in time, meaning it was 3-0 at the break.

Half time: Edinburgh 3 – 0 Glasgow Warriors

The game opened up in the final 25 minutes, as the ball was held up over the line after a great break from Sam Skinner.

Warriors fought back though through winning a series of penalties. The visitors drove their tried and tested lineout over the line and were rewarded with a penalty try plus a yellow card to Patrick Harrison for bringing down the maul. (3 – 7, 69 mins)

But Edinburgh’s response was swift and emphatic. Pierre Schoeman rumbled over with the final carry in a multiple-phase scramble on the line. Ben Healy duly obliged with the conversion. (10 – 7, 70 mins)

Edinburgh had the grit to see out the win, and celebrated euphorically at the end.

Full time: Edinburgh 10 – 7 Glasgow Warriors

Team sheets:

Edinburgh: 15. Wes Goosen, 14. Darcy Graham, 13. Matt Currie, 12. Mosese Tuipulotu, 11. Duhan van der Merwe, 10. Ross Thompson, 9. Ali Price; 1. Boan Venter, 2. Dave Cherry, 3. D’arcy Rae, 4. Sam Skinner, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Jamie Ritchie, 7. Luke Crosbie, 8. Ben Muncaster.

Glasgow Warriors: 15. Kyle Rowe, 14. Sebastian Cancelliere, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Sione Tuipulotu, 11. Kyle Steyn, 10. Tom Jordan, 9. Jamie Dobie; 1. Jamie Bhatti, 2. Gregor Hiddleston, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Gregor Brown, 5. Scott Cummings, 6. Ally Miller, 7. Matt Fagerson, 8. Jack Mann.

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Tickets are available for the game: click here to buy yours today.

Cherry – who takes the place of the injured Ewan Ashman – is one of four changes made to the starting lineup that lost out against Glasgow last week, with the capital side looking to overturn a 19-point deficit in the 1872 Cup.

Everitt names an unchanged back three, with Wes Goosen selected at fullback alongside Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe, the latter of whom fresh from earning his 100th cap.

Mosese Tuipulotu lines up at inside centre for his first start at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with Matt Currie again at outside centre.

The capital halfback pairing is unchanged, with Ross Thompson (stand-off) and Ali Price (scrum-half) both starting against their former club.

Cherry is joined in the front row by D’Arcy Rae (tighthead) and Boan Venter (loosehead), who bagged a late brace of tries last time out.

Club double centurion Grant Gilchrist starts in the second row with Sam Skinner, the Scotland lock making his first league start of the season.

Ben Muncaster comes into the starting line up at number eight – taking the place of Magnus Bradbury who remains in concussion protocol – joining club centurions Jamie Ritchie and Luke Crosbie to complete the loose forwards.

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made two changes to the starting XV.

One of the changes comes in the front-row, as Gregor Hiddleston replaces Johnny Matthews to pack down between Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson up front.

An unchanged second-row sees Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown paired once more in the engine room, the former having provided the assist for Glasgow’s fifth and final try at Hampden Park last time out.

The back-row is similarly unaltered, meaning Ally Miller and Matt Fagerson once again line up either side of Jack Mann, the number eight featuring in a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23 for the fifth successive fixture.

Jamie Dobie is the only change to the back-line that started last Sunday’s clash at Hampden, as the scrum-half – the beneficiary of Cummings’ assist for the fifth try last weekend – starts alongside Tom Jordan in the half-backs.

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continue as the centre combination, the latter having also touched down for a score in the first leg.

Kyle Steyn captains the side from the wing after returning from injury that saw him make more metres and beat more defenders than any other player last weekend – in addition to scoring a try of his own -, lining up in a back-three rounded out by Sebastian Cancelliere and Kyle Rowe.

Rory Darge returns to action after completing his return to play protocols following a head injury sustained against Toulon, the openside part of a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements.

Sam Talakai comes into the matchday 23 after missing out at Hampden last weekend, the Australian international joining Rory Sutherland and Grant Stewart as the front-row cover.

Alex Samuel wears the number 19 shirt, whilst Angus Fraser once again offers cover in the back-row for tomorrow’s clash.

The backs are covered by George Horne and Duncan Weir, the former rotating to the bench after starting at Hampden Park last time out.

Edinburgh Rugby Team

1. Boan Venter (76) 2. Dave Cherry (99) 3. D’arcy Rae (14) 4. Sam Skinner (29) 5. Grant Gilchrist (213) CAPTAIN 6. Jamie Ritchie (122) 7. Luke Crosbie (105) 8. Ben Muncaster (37) 9. Ali Price (25) 10. Ross Thompson (10) 11. Duhan van der Merwe (100) 12. Mosese Tuipulotu (9) 13. Matt Currie (48) 14. Darcy Graham (72) 15. Wes Goosen (41)

Replacements

16. Paddy Harrison (20) 17. Pierre Schoeman (123) 18. Javan Sebastian (19) 19. Marshall Sykes (73) 20. Hamish Watson (164) 21. Charlie Shiel (66) 22. Ben Healy (30) 23. James Lang (60)

Glasgow Warriors Team

1 Jamie Bhatti (112) 2 Gregor Hiddleston (18) 3 Zander Fagerson (157) 4 Gregor Brown (27) 5 Scott Cummings (134) 6 Ally Miller (31) 7 Matt Fagerson (120) 8 Jack Mann (5) 9 Jamie Dobie (77) 10 Tom Jordan (59) 11 Kyle Steyn (C) (80) 12 Sione Tuipulotu (63) 13 Huw Jones (76) 14 Sebastian Cancelliere (45) 15 Kyle Rowe (26)

Replacements

16 Grant Stewart (53) 17 Rory Sutherland (7) 18 Sam Talakai (8) 19 Alex Samuel (24) 20 Rory Darge (55) 21 Angus Fraser (16) 22 George Horne (127) 23 Duncan Weir (156)

The post Teams confirmed for derby decider appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Glasgow Warriors have made two changes to their starting XV as Scotland and British & Irish Lions scrum-half Ali Price starts, while Ollie Smith is the only other alteration.

Having earned a 16-10 victory at Scotstoun last Friday night, Franco Smith’s men travel east knowing that a second successive win over their cross-country rivals would bring the 1872 Cup back to the west of Scotland – an aggregate draw would see Edinburgh, as holders, retain the coveted cup.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE DECISIVE DERBY

In all there are 24 Test capped internationalists among the 30 starting players from both sides – 12 on each side: Edinburgh’s group contain 10 Scotland stars plus Emiliano Boffelli of Argentina and Bill Mata of Fiji.

Glasgow too have 12 Test caps starters, nine from Scotland alongside Argentine duo Lucio Sordoni and Sebastián Cancelliere, and Tonga’s Sione Vailanu.

With a bumper crowd of around 25,000 expected for the festive clash, supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets today to guarantee their place at the decisive derby.

Mike Blair, Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, said: “This is a hugely exciting fixture for all connected to the club – it’s set to be a special derby at BT Murrayfield and we hope to put in a performance that matches the significance of the 150^th anniversary fixture.

“We’re delighted to welcome back a number of experienced players from injury for this match-up and they’ll be relishing the chance to be back out there representing the city in a game that means so much to us and our supporters.

“We were obviously disappointed with the end result in the opening leg however we showed a real resilience to stay in the match. That grit and determination will be needed once again as we go up against a very strong Glasgow side.

“Our supporters will have a huge role to play on Friday night. We’ll need their backing from first minute to last in what is a huge game for the club.”

Franco Smith, Glasgow Warriors Head Coach, said: “Last weekend was an important win for us, but we know that the job is still only half done.

“We were impressed with the professionalism of our squad in getting the result at Scotstoun last Friday. We know there is more to come from this group, though, and that has been the challenge we’ve put to the players this week.

“The onus is on ourselves tomorrow night; we want to go out and deliver the performance of which we know we are capable.”

TICKETS

Tickets continue to sell fast for this massive, historic match up. The Bronze and Silver categories behind the goals reached capacity earlier in the week, however availability remains in Platinum and Gold categories.

Tickets are available to buy on the day however fans are encouraged to buy online before the game to avoid queues and delays at the ticket office. Tickets can then be added to Apple / Google wallets to allow for speedy entry to the stadium.

MORE TRAVEL, AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE INFO AVAILABLE HERE

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