General sale tickets for this highly anticipated match will open at 12 noon on Friday 20 February. With a quarter-final place on the line, demand is expected to be strong, and supporters are encouraged to book early to ensure they are part of the Scotstoun atmosphere on what promises to be a landmark day in the club season.

European knockout rugby returns to Glasgow on Saturday 4 April, and the occasion provides a chance for fans across the country to get behind one of Scotland’s two professional teams in the continent’s premier club competition. Tickets go on general sale at 12 noon this Friday. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of it.

The post Investec Champions Cup Round of 16: Tickets on General Sale This Friday appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The Warriors topped their pool with a perfect record to secure home advantage and will return to knockout action in Europe’s elite club competition. It marks the second consecutive season that a Scottish side has hosted a Champions Cup last-16 fixture at Scotstoun, following Glasgow’s memorable victory over Leicester Tigers in April 2025.

Full ticketing timelines and on-sale dates will be communicated by the club in due course.

Before European knockout rugby returns to Glasgow, the Warriors are back in BKT United Rugby Championship action this weekend with an away trip to Zebre Parma, before returning home to Scotstoun Stadium next Friday (30 January) to face Munster.

For next Friday night’s URC clash with Munster, limited standing tickets and seats are available. Click here to buy.

The post Home knockout confirmed for Glasgow in Investec Champions Cup appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

With a sold-out Scotstoun in full voice, the Warriors wasted no time in establishing themselves on the front-foot. The early momentum was turned into points with 10 minutes on the clock, Alex Craig sparking the attack by thundering through a gap and racing fully 30 metres into the Saracens 22. The home side then showed superb patience to work their way through the phases, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones eventually combining to send Smith racing over the whitewash for the score. Horne made no mistake with the extras, and the Warriors led 7-0.

Owen Farrell would reduce the arrears on 14 minutes, the Saracens centre slotting a penalty after referee Luc Ramos penalised the Warriors for offside inside their own 22. Yet undeterred, the home side went straight back on the attack. Only a well-timed interception from Lucio Cinti stopped the Warriors from adding to their try tally moments after Farrell’s penalty, whilst it took an illegal intervention from Juan Martin Gonzalez to halt Horne’s scintillating solo burst for the line. Gonzalez was shown a yellow card for his troubles, as the volume inside Scotstoun rose another notch.

Glasgow’s attack was stretching the Saracens defence to breaking point, and their attacking endeavour was eventually rewarded with a second try with 28 minutes on the clock. Strong carrying from the pack once more gave the Warriors the platform, before Horne’s sublime inside ball found a rampaging Steyn. The winger was never going to be stopped as he hared under the posts from the Saracens 22, Horne adding the conversion to give the hosts a 14-3 advantage.

A third try of the night was to follow as Gonzalez waited to return to the field, and it went to a familiar source. Tuipulotu’s short ball allowed Jack Dempsey to shrug off the attempted tackle of Theo MacFarland, drawing the last man before sending the supporting Horne under the posts to the delight of the Warrior Nation. The scrum-half converted for good measure, and the hosts led 21-3.

Saracens were in no mood to go quietly, the three-time European champions turning on the attack in the closing stages as they launched themselves at the Glasgow try-line. Yet time and again the Warriors held firm, a try-saving tackle from Horne denying Ivan van Zyl, before Dempsey and Gregor Hiddleston combined to win a crucial turnover to bring up the half-time interval.

Knowing that the next score was likely to be vital, the visitors continued to throw everything at their hosts as the second-half commenced, as they looked for a foothold back into proceedings. Once more, however, the Warriors held firm, the pack holding up their counterparts at the maul to earn a turnover that was roared to the rafters by the Scotstoun faithful.

Even when reduced to 14 men after the officials deemed a tackle from Kyle Rowe to be high, the Warriors never wavered in their defensive resolve. Horne found himself at the heart of a breakdown to win a turnover from his opposite number van Zyl, whilst Gregor Brown’s energy off the bench ensured the Glasgow pack retained their edge.

Instead, it was the Glasgow attack that had the final – roof-raising – word under the Sunday night floodlights. With the bonus-point in their sights, the Warriors went to work. Time and again the Saracens defence was stretched to its limits, until the pressure eventually told. Stephen was the man to steer a 13-man maul over the whitewash to a cacophony of noise from a sold-out Scotstoun, Dan Lancaster adding the extras to apply the coup de grace on a famous night in Glasgow’s west end.

The final whistle sounded to confirm what the Scotstoun faithful already knew, the Warriors finishing with a maximum 20 points from their four pool stage matches to top Pool One, a feat achieved for the first time in the club’s history. Home advantage secured for the knockout stages – and the Warrior Nation are ready to follow every step of the way.

The post Glasgow Warriors 28-3 Saracens appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

With the atmosphere inside the Stade Marcel-Michelin at fever-pitch, it was the Warriors who were first to show their intent with ball in hand. Huw Jones wasted no time in getting his hands on the ball, the centre bursting clear from his own 22 before linking with Sione Tuipulotu. His chip ahead caused chaos in the Clermont defence, forcing Pita Gus Sowakula to infringe at the expense of a yellow card.

It took the Warriors two minutes to make their numerical advantage count. Whilst the hosts would defend the first maul, the concession of another penalty proved too much for the men in yellow. Ferrie was the man to emerge with the ball for the first score of the afternoon, the conversion drifting wide to leave the score at 5-0 in Glasgow’s favour with nine minutes gone.

Glasgow were motoring in the early exchanges, and their attacking momentum was rewarded with a second try just moments after Sowakula returned to the field. Jamie Dobie’s clever inside line off George Horne put Glasgow on the front foot, before Gregor Hiddleston’s pass put Jones through a gap. The centre was in no mood to be stopped as he raced home untouched from 40 metres, Horne converting for a 12-0 lead.

A third try was coming, and it arrived with 25 minutes played. Once more the Glasgow kicking game played its part, Jones chipping into space for Kyle Rowe to chase. The bounce favoured the Glasgow full-back, and whilst his race for the line was halted by Bautista Delguy, his offload was perfectly timed to send Steyn over next to the uprights. Horne converted, and the Warriors led 19-0.

Clermont knew that the next score had to be theirs, and with the Marcel-Michelin faithful urging them on, the men in yellow crossed for their first try of the encounter as the game ticked past the half-hour mark. Despite a superb try-saving tackle from Horne to deny Delguy, George Moala’s power on the follow-up carry saw the centre barge over, Harry Plummer converting to narrow the deficit.

Glasgow’s response was immediate. With Clermont conceding a penalty straight from the restart, the Warriors needed no second invitation. A sublimely-worked tap-penalty move allowed Jones to feed the onrushing Dempsey, the number eight carrying two Clermont defenders with him as he registered the bonus-point try. Horne made no mistake from the tee, and the Warriors led 26-7 with five minutes left in the half.

It was a lead they would hold until the interval, the Glasgow defence standing firm in the face of a Clermont barrage. From Patrick Schickerling’s tenacity in the chop tackle to the physicality of the Fagerson brothers in the collision, each Warrior stood tall, as Rowe and Dempsey combined to hold up Axel Guillaud over the try-line.

The defensive resolve continued at the start of the second stanza, Ferrie coming up with a crucial turnover on his own five-metre line to cut short Clermont’s charge for the try-line. Still the home side would press, and eventually their pressure would tell. With Schickerling having been sent to the sin-bin for repeated team infringements, Horne would join him on the sidelines as the officials deemed a deliberate knock-on to have prevented a try. The penalty try was awarded to boot, bringing the scoreline to 26-14 with half an hour to play.

It took the home side the full 10 minutes of the double sin-bin to take advantage, as the Warriors managed the penalty near-perfectly. Only a breakaway score from Irae Simone could put a blemish on their record during the period, Plummer converting to make it a one-score game as the match entered its final quarter.

Once more, though, the Warriors had a response, as the replacements made their mark. Max Williamson’s power saw the second-rower gallop into space, feeding Seb Stephen on his shoulder. The hooker rode the challenge of Guillaud to wait for his support, before Williamson and Gregor Brown combined to send Steyn over in the corner for his second of the evening. Horne converted expertly from the touchline, and Glasgow’s lead was restored to its 12-point margin.

It was a lead that the Warriors would not relinquish, holding their hosts at bay one last time to ensure that all five points would be coming home to Scotstoun. A result that keeps Franco Smith’s men top of the group and secures a place in the knockout stages – a clash with Saracens now awaits next weekend to determine the seeding ahead of the last-16.

The post ASM Clermont-Auvergne 21-33 Glasgow Warriors appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

On a bitterly cold evening in Glasgow’s west end, it was the Warriors who struck for Scotstoun’s opening try of the New Year. A first venture into the Zebre 22 yielded the maximum reward, as a cleverly-worked lineout strike play saw Ben Afshar slip the inside pass to send McDowall charging over from close-range. Adam Hastings added the extras, and the hosts led 7-0 after 12 minutes.

The home side were now motoring, as they looked to cement their control over proceedings. They did just that as the game passed the 20-minute mark, crossing for their second try of the night. Seb Stephen’s industrious carry set up the field position for Franco Smith’s men, before Jare Oguntibeju and Hastings combined to put Smith through a gap. The full-back had too much pace for the cover defence, Hastings converting to take the score to 14-0.

Yet the visitors weren’t in the mood to lie down, replying in kind almost straight from the restart. Thomas Dominguez’s offload created the space for Martin Roger Farias to break through, the fly-half’s pass sending Giulio Bertaccini over the whitewash despite Smith’s best efforts. Farias would run out of time on the shot clock for the conversion, however, meaning Glasgow’s lead stood at nine points.

Glasgow were continuing to press with ball in hand, though, with Afshar dictating play well from scrum-half and Macenzzie Duncan amongst a cohort of Warriors eagerly carrying when presented with an opportunity. Jamie Dobie almost brought the Scotstoun faithful to their feet with five minutes left in the opening stanza, the winger only denied a spectacular solo effort by the bounce of the ball following a chip and chase.

A third try was coming, and it arrived with 90 seconds left in the half. Successive penalties saw the Zebre defence stretched to breaking point, and when the Glasgow maul got going, there was to be no denying the men in black. Stephen was the man to emerge with the ball, and whilst Hastings was off target for the first time on the night, the Warriors held a 19-5 lead going into the break.

Once more the visitors responded, however, hitting back with the first try of the second half with 48 minutes on the clock. Giovanni Quattrini was the man to guide the maul over the line just moments after coming onto the field, the conversion drifting wide to leave the scoreboard reading 19-10 in favour of the Warriors.

Yet with Weir entering the field to a standing ovation, the Warrior Nation were soon celebrating the four-try bonus-point in style. Swift hands in the back-line found Duncan Munn in space, the Loch Lomond product putting the grubber kick in behind and sending Dobie on the chase. The winger duly applied the finishing touch, winning the race and touching down despite the covering defence for the score. Weir added the extras to rapturous applause from the touchline, and the hosts held a 26-10 lead entering the final quarter.

With the bonus-point in the bag, the Warrior Nation now wanted yet more as the clocked ticked into the final stages. Afshar was denied what would have been a well-deserved score by the eagle eye of the Television Match Official, but with penalty advantage in hand, it proved to merely be a temporary setback. Hiddleston – on for Stephen at hooker – took full advantage as he steered the maul over for the score, Weir converting to take the score to 33-10.

It was then time for Weir’s roof-raising cameo, as the fly-half brought the Warrior Nation to its feet for one more time. McDowall’s ball over the top set Dobie haring towards the try-line, and when the winger had the task of drawing the full-back and sending the ball back inside, Weir was only too happy to apply the finish as he raced under the posts in front of the East Stand. With the noise at full volume, the boyhood Warrior converted his own try for one of the most popular scores ever seen at Scotstoun.

There was still time for one final try as the Warriors applied the coup de grace. McDowall was once again at the heart of things, bursting through straight from the restart before sending Dobie haring over for his second – and Glasgow’s seventh – try of the evening. Dan Lancaster made no mistake with the extras, the final whistle sounding soon after to bring down the curtain on a celebration of one of the club’s favourite sons.

The post Glasgow Warriors 47-10 Zebre Parma appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Weir won the 2014/15 Pro12 with Warriors in his first spell at the club, before moving to Edinburgh Rugby for two years. He then went to Worcester Warriors before returning to Glasgow in 2021.

He racked up 30 caps for Scotland in his career, debuting back in 2012. His new coaching role will see him step back from playing.

The duo are joined by Shade Munro who continues in his role within the Academy set-up having previously been head coach of Scotland Women and assistant coach of Glasgow Warriors.

Head of Performance Pathways Al Kellock said: “Nick Ryan brings a wealth of experience from an academy level of coaching. He’ll run the programme but will also do a lot of coaching on the pitch.

“His experience and deep knowledge of pathway rugby will help with the development of the young players at Glasgow Warriors.

“Duncan Weir will also be a brilliant asset to the coaching team. He demands respect for what he’s achieved in his career and will be a role model for the younger players to look upto. He has also developed a lot of recent coaching experience, with the Warriors, the academy players and with Glasgow Accies.

“He has been a model professional throughout his career and playing up until 34 is testament to the discipline and determination he’s had throughout his career. He has given an incredible amount to Glasgow Warriors and his success is unrivalled as the only player to be part of both championship wins. He has been one of the most popular players in the dressing room and in the stands. We are delighted that he will now bring the same energy and passion to developing our young players.

“Along with Henry Pyrgos at Edinburgh and Greig Laidlaw as Scotland U20 assistant coach it is great to have former players within our pathway system for our young players to learn from.

“Both Duncan and Nick will work well with Shade who I know well from my time at the club. He is very experienced and knowledgeable about what it takes to bring through the next generation of players.”

Glasgow Warriors Academy Manager Nick Ryan said: “Joining Glasgow Warriors is incredibly exciting for me and it’s a huge honour to be part of the club.

“The Warriors are well renowned across the world given what they have achieved recently and a lot of that success has been born out of young players who have come through their academy system.

“It is testament to the work that has gone on at Scotstoun and I am looking forward to adding to that, and continue to drive it forward.

“Having someone like Duncan joining is brilliant as he knows the club like the back of his hand and the current academy players will look upto him.

“Shade Munro is really experienced and working with him will be brilliant for myself given his deep knowledge of the game in Scotland.”

Duncan Weir said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Nick, who’s bringing so much experience over from Australia, and with Shade, who I’ve obviously known for a long time. Having such a solid foundation is going to serve me well in the new role, and is going to serve Glasgow Warriors well long-term.

“I’m really excited by the new role. As a player I remember the transitional period you go through when moving from the academy to the senior squad, and the prospect of being a mentor to these young backs is something that I’m looking forward to.

“We want to graduate as many of our academy players to the pro game as possible – that’s my goal in the new position, and seeing young backs go from the academy to long and decorated careers for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland would be something that would fill me with great pride.

“It’s sad to close the door a bit on the playing side, but coaching has always been a passion of mine. Since moving back to Glasgow from Worcester, it was always the plan to move into coaching following my playing career, so to have the opportunity to do that now is hugely exciting.”

The post Nick Ryan and Duncan Weir join Warriors Academy coaching team appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Hear the Hampden Roar like never before

General sale for our 1872 Cup opener is NOW OPEN – grab your tickets now! https://t.co/YUNnAGOR64#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/9STVneJiIq

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) August 29, 2025

Despite most of the early running coming from the home side, the opening score would go the way of the visitors with just six minutes on the clock. Leo Banes found open space to accelerate into, before drawing the last man to send Antoine Dupont over next to the posts. Thomas Ramos converted, and Toulouse held a 7-0 lead.

The visitors would double their advantage in contentious fashion six minutes later, with the Warrior Nation making no secret of their displeasure. Dupont’s offload to Kalvin Gourgues looked to have travelled forward en route, but with the officials deeming the pass legal, Ramos added the extras from the tee to make it 14-0 to the French outfit.

With the swirling rain continuing to fall at Scotstoun, neither side was willing to concede an inch under the floodlights. Strong carrying from Jack Dempsey and the Fagerson brothers almost found a way through the Toulouse defence as the Warriors probed on the visiting 22, only for the visitors to come up with a turnover at the crucial moment.

Toulouse were making the most of the wind advantage, and with five minutes remaining in the half the six-time champions crossed for their third try of the night. Despite some physical defence from the Glasgow pack up front to repel their opponents, slick handling eventually allowed Gourgues to fend off the tackle and dive over in the corner. Ramos added the extras once more, and Toulouse led 21-0 approaching the interval.

In search of the attacking bonus-point, the visitors continued to press at any opportunity. Jamie Dobie’s cover tackle would deny Ange Capuozzo with the clock in the red, whilst only superb scramble defence from Adam Hastings and Gregor Hiddleston prevented Toulouse notching a breakaway score just moments into the second period.

Yet the Warriors were building momentum, and with 50 minutes on the clock, the home side struck in style. Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown brought the power in midfield, before Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall combined to release Jamie Dobie out wide. His pass was perfectly timed to send McKay racing over untouched, Hastings converting as the Warrior Nation turned up the volume.

That volume would reach speaker-shaking levels just eight minutes later, as the Warriors continued to fight. Repeated Toulouse infringements gave the Warriors a penalty 10 metres out, from which Hiddleston charged headlong into the awaiting opposition to give his side the platform. Zander Fagerson was stopped inches short, but when Jack Dempsey fed Brown, there was no stopping the Aberdonian as he bulldozed his way under the posts. The conversion sailed through against a backdrop of noise, and Glasgow were within a score as the game entered its final quarter.

If the previous score was speaker-shaking, the next obliterated the sound system entirely. Once again, the pack laid the foundations, Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson leading the charge towards the Toulouse line with a barrage of carrying for which the visitor had no answer. In the end, Tuipulotu was the one to hammer down the Toulouse door, beating three defenders to crash over in front of the East Stand. Hastings kept his calm amongst the noise, coolly slotting the extra two points to bring his side level with 16 minutes to play.

The atmosphere turned supersonic as the match entered the final 10 minutes, as the Warriors hit the front to complete a monumental turnaround. Having been at the forefront all night, Hiddleston this time was the man to bring Scotstoun to its feet, the hooker steering an unstoppable maul over the whitewash for the bonus-point score. Once again Hastings was impeccable from the tee, bisecting the uprights to give his side a seven-point lead.

It was now time for the Warriors defence to stand up and be counted, a task they took to with aplomb. Whether it was McDowall levelling his man in midfield, or Hiddleston and Darge making a menace of themselves at the breakdown, each Glasgow action was roared to the rafters by the Warrior Nation as the clock ticked down towards zero.

One final massive defensive set would end with Dobie and Alex Craig ushering Teddy Thomas into touch, Investec Player of the Match-winning Hastings leading the celebrations as Scotstoun descended into pandemonium. This was Glasgow’s night as the roars echoed around the stadium – roars that will echo all the way to Hampden Park next weekend.

The post Match Report: Glasgow Warriors 28-21 Stade Toulousain appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Scorer of the opening try last weekend, Gregor Hiddleston continues at hooker as he lines up between Nathan McBeth and Zander Fagerson in the front-row.

Max Williamson and Scott Cummings pack down in the engine room, after an industrious performance from the pair at the Corpacq Stadium seven days ago.

Matt Fagerson – who made more tackles than any other Warrior last time out – and Rory Darge once more line up on the flanks, with Jack Dempsey continuing at number eight after an all-action display in round one.

Dobie’s inclusion sees the scrum-half partner Adam Hastings in the half-backs, the latter having kicked three conversions from four attempts despite challenging conditions in Manchester.

Stafford McDowall continues at outside centre after making his 100^th appearance for the club last time out, lining up alongside Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield.

Kyle Steyn captains the squad from the wing, with Ollie Smith and Josh McKay – who made more metres than any other player in round one in an Investec Player of the Match-winning performance – completing the back-three.

George Horne rotates to the replacements to accommodate Dobie’s inclusion in the starting XV, joining Dan Lancaster as the two backs selected in a six-two split on the bench.

Seb Stephen retains his place after an impressive cameo off the bench on his European debut last weekend, whilst Alex Craig is named in the number 19 jersey after his late call-up in place of Alex Samuel last weekend.

Rory Sutherland – fresh from signing a new contract earlier this week – and Sam Talakai line up as the replacement props, as Ally Miller and Gregor Brown round out the cohort of replacements awaiting their opportunity tomorrow night.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We were pleased to open our Investec Champions Cup campaign with a win last weekend, yet we know that there are still more levels to come from this group as we continue to build.

“Toulouse possess one of the deepest squads in European rugby and have a proud record in this competition, and we know the scale of the test that awaits us tomorrow night.

“We look forward to running out under the lights in front of a sold-out Scotstoun, and we know the Warrior Nation will help to make it an atmosphere to remember.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Stade Toulousain at Scotstoun, Saturday 13 December, kick-off 8pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action as it happens on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (61)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (32)
3 Zander Fagerson (163)
4 Max Williamson (38)
5 Scott Cummings (147)
6 Matt Fagerson (130)
7 Rory Darge (69)
8 Jack Dempsey (57)

9 Jamie Dobie (93)
10 Adam Hastings (76)
11 Ollie Smith (50)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (73)
13 Stafford McDowall (100)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (97)
15 Josh McKay (70)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (4)
17 Rory Sutherland (16)
18 Sam Talakai (27)
19 Alex Craig (5)
20 Gregor Brown (41)
21 Ally Miller (38)
22 George Horne (145)
23 Dan Lancaster (6)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (calf), Euan Ferrie (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Johnny Matthews (neck), Kyle Rowe (knee), Charlie Savala (knee), Grant Stewart (foot), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).

The post Dobie starts for Toulouse clash appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Capped 46 times by Scotland to date, Sutherland featured prominently at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having been part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured South Africa two years earlier. 

The prop was also a late call-up to this summer’s tour of Australia, coming off the bench against the First Nations & Pasifika XV to become a two-time British & Irish Lions tourist.  

Since arriving at Scotstoun from French Top 14 side Oyonnax, Sutherland has made a strong impression with his leadership, consistency, and influence within the forward pack. His presence has provided valuable guidance to younger players and helped reinforce the standards and culture that underpin the Warriors’ approach under Franco Smith and his coaching team. 

Sutherland’s re-signing adds further depth and experience to the front row, complementing a group that has developed into one of the most competitive units in the league. 

His technical proficiency at the set piece, combined with his work rate around the park, ensures that Glasgow will continue to benefit from his influence through the next two campaigns. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the season and a half I’ve had here so far,” Sutherland told glasgowwarriors.org. 

“The boys and the coaches have made me feel really welcome, and I’m enjoying my rugby, so it was an easy decision to re-sign. 

“The move to Glasgow has been great for my family, too. It’s given us a sense of stability, and it’s been so good to have them coming to games regularly. There’s a great family feel to the club. 

“The quality we have in this group is so impressive. I knew a lot of the guys from Scotland camp prior to arriving in Glasgow, but the senior academy lads have also really stood up and impressed for the club. There’s an exciting future in store, for sure. 

“It’s a massive couple of weeks for us. Toulouse coming to Scotstoun this weekend will be an incredible match, and then the derbies over the next couple of weeks with Edinburgh will be a huge occasion for everyone at the club. I’m excited to be a part of it.” 

Head Coach Smith added: “We’re pleased to be able to secure Rory’s services for the foreseeable future, as we continue to build strength in depth across every position. 

“He has fully bought into what we are building here ever since arriving at Scotstoun, bringing good energy and commitment to the jersey. 

“He is also a strong role model for our young talents to learn from as they continue their own development, is a well-liked member of our squad, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.” 

The post Sutherland commits to Glasgow Warriors appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

How big a milestone in every season is the 1872 Cup double-header? 

MB: It’s probably changed a little bit over the years, because both teams are now consistently involved in the race for the playoffs at the end of the season. That makes the league points so important, but those bragging rights are definitely still there. We’ve just spent a lot of time together in camp over the autumn, we’ll have this fortnight of European rugby, and then we’re back into getting stuck into each other again! It’s hugely exciting for everyone. 

RD: The league points are obviously the most important element – you see the difference a couple of points here and there can have at the end of the season. Every result will have a consequence – it could be the difference between being at home and away in the playoffs. There’s also definitely a bit more to these games. There’s a different feeling around the club, and everyone wants to go out and test themselves against guys they know really well. 

How much are bragging rights brought up between you all in national camp? 

RD: I think it depends on who’s won and who you’re speaking to! 

MB: [laughs] The Fagersons. 

RD: If Edinburgh win, Marshall Sykes lets everyone know. Duhan [van der Merwe], too, he likes to have a few words here and there. 

MB: Sione [Tuipulotu] isn’t shy about it either. 

RD: It’s definitely something that gets brought up, but obviously that’s not the main thing. The main thing is getting the right result. 

How important are the supporters over the festive fortnight? 

MB: It’s huge. The privilege of getting to play in the main bowl of Scottish Gas Murrayfield makes it so much more accessible to supporters that might not ordinarily come to a home match at the Hive. It’s one of the games where support can make such a massive difference, and every single one of them means so much to us. We wouldn’t have clubs without the supporters and it’s a privilege to be able to represent them. 

RD: I completely agree. From a Glasgow side, the Hampden element is obviously a pretty new phenomenon, and we saw last year how special an atmosphere it can be. I was in the stands last year, and I got a real appreciation of just how electric the atmosphere was that day. Whether its at Scotstoun, Hampden or somewhere on the road, the Warrior Nation are always there and ready to help carry us through. 

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

The post Interview: League Points and Bragging Rights appeared first on Scottish Rugby.