McDowall to reach century in Investec Champions Cup opener

Stafford McDowall will make his 100th appearance for Glasgow Warriors in the club’s opening match of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup, after the Stewartry RFC product was named at outside centre for tomorrow night’s trip to Sale Sharks.

The 27-year-old has become a fixture in the midfield since the 2022/23 campaign, the Scotland international having also deputised as captain on multiple occasions for his boyhood club.

Ollie Smith will also mark a personal milestone this weekend, as the utility back – who signed a new contract with the Warriors earlier this week – brings up 50 appearances in Glasgow colours.

An all-new front-row sees Zander Fagerson make his first appearance for the club since April’s victory over Leicester Tigers, with the Scotland tight-head packing down alongside Nathan McBeth and Gregor Hiddleston at the coal-face.

Scott Cummings returns to the squad after being rested last weekend, pairing up with fellow Scotland international Max Williamson in the second-row.

Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge line up on the flanks, with Jack Dempsey packing down at number eight after an impressive Quilter Nations Series.

Behind the scrum, George Horne – scorer of a hat-trick against Sale Sharks at Scotstoun last season – starts at scrum-half, whilst Adam Hastings is given the nod at fly-half.

Sione Tuipulotu partners impending centurion McDowall in the midfield, the former having also been rested last weekend following his exploits in the November internationals.

Smith moves to the wing having started at centre last weekend, as club captain Kyle Steyn returns to the starting XV in a back-three completed by Josh McKay.

Seb Stephen could make his European debut for the club after being selected amongst a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, the Scotland U20 hooker joining Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover.

Gregor Brown rotates to the bench after starting in Llanelli last time out, with Ally Miller and Alex Samuel retained amongst the replacements.

Jamie Dobie and Dan Lancaster cover the back-line, the former having claimed BKT Player of the Match honours away to the Ospreys on his most recent outing in Glasgow colours.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Franco Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are proud to be running out once more in the Investec Champions Cup, and tackling the different challenges this competition presents.

“Sale will provide a highly physical test, backed by a proud home support at a stadium at which they have a strong record across all competitions.

“I would also like to congratulate Stafford on reaching 100 appearances for us – being a Warrior means a great deal to him, and he is someone who gives his all for this and for his team mates every time he pulls on the jersey.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Sale Sharks at Corpacq Stadium, Friday 5 December, kick-off 8pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (60)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (31)
3 Zander Fagerson (162)
4 Max Williamson (37)
5 Scott Cummings (146)
6 Matt Fagerson (129)
7 Rory Darge (68)
8 Jack Dempsey (56)

9 George Horne (144)
10 Adam Hastings (75)
11 Ollie Smith (49)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (72)
13 Stafford McDowall (99)
14 Kyle Steyn (96)
15 Josh McKay (69)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (3)
17 Rory Sutherland (15)
18 Sam Talakai (26)
19 Alex Samuel (46)
20 Gregor Brown (40)
21 Ally Miller (37)
22 Jamie Dobie (92)
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), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (shoulder).