Glasgow make five changes ahead of Zebre Parma clash

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has made five changes ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Zebre Parma, as his side returns to BKT United Rugby Championship action looking to continue their pursuit of a home playoff berth.

A bonus-point victory over their hosts at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi will secure the Scottish-Italian Shield for the Warriors for the fourth successive season, with Smith’s men facing off against the Italian outfit for the second time in the space of a month.

Gregor Hiddleston retains his spot in the front-row after an all-action display in last weekend’s win over Saracens, the hooker lining up between Jamie Bhatti and Murphy Walker, the latter making his first appearance since October’s win over the Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun.

Max Williamson comes into the starting lineup after coming off the bench at Scotstoun last Sunday, partnering Alex Craig in the engine room.

Jack Dempsey starts at number eight in the week he was nominated for Investec Player of the Year for 2025/26, with Gregor Brown and Rory Darge packing down on the flanks.

Behind the scrum, Adam Hastings returns at fly-half after a fortnight’s layoff due to injury, pairing up with George Horne in the half-backs one week on from the scrum-half’s 150^th appearance for the Warriors.

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continue their combination in the midfield, the latter making his first BKT URC appearance of the 2025/26 campaign.

The back-three is unchanged, as Ollie Smith and Kyle Steyn – both try-scorers against Saracens last time out – link up with Kyle Rowe in the outside-backs.

Nathan McBeth is set for his first outing in Glasgow Warriors colours  since last month’s 1872 Cup victory at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the loose-head joining Seb Stephen and Zander Fagerson as the front-row replacements.

Scott Cummings and Matt Fagerson rotate to the bench after starting last time out, whilst Euan Ferrie wears the number 20 jersey for tomorrow’s trip to Parma.

The replacements are rounded out by Stafford McDowall and Ben Afshar, both men having featured in each of Glasgow’s matches in 2026 to date.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that we must continue to display the best version of ourselves tomorrow night, as we look to keep our recent momentum going upon our return to the BKT URC.

“Zebre possess a proud home record and a playing group packed with talent, with several of their players having been named in the Italy squad earlier this week.

“Training has been sharp and focused this week, and we are looking forward to the challenge tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Saturday 24 January, kick-off 7.45pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (129)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (38)
3 Murphy Walker (19)
4 Alex Craig (11)
5 Max Williamson (43)
6 Gregor Brown (46)
7 Rory Darge (74)
8 Jack Dempsey (62)

9 George Horne (150)
10 Adam Hastings (82)
11 Ollie Smith (55)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (78)
13 Huw Jones (83)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (102)
15 Kyle Rowe (44)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (9)
17 Nathan McBeth (64)
18 Zander Fagerson (168)
19 Scott Cummings (152)
20 Euan Ferrie (47)
21 Matt Fagerson (135)
22 Stafford McDowall (106)
23 Ben Afshar (31)

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Dobie (knee), Johnny Matthews (neck), Josh McKay (hamstring), Fin Richardson (calf), Alex Samuel (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Patrick Schickerling (head), Rory Sutherland (head), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).