Cummings returns for quarter-final showdown

Scott Cummings will make his return from injury in this weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash with Connacht, after being named in the starting XV for tomorrow night’s showdown at Scotstoun.

The British & Irish Lions second-rower will make his first appearance in Glasgow colours since January’s away victory over Zebre Parma, forming part of a starting lineup containing 12 internationals selected by Franco Smith and his coaching team.

Patrick Schickerling comes in to start at loose-head after being rested for the Round 18 victory away to Ulster, as he lines up alongside Johnny Matthews and Zander Fagerson up front.

Cummings partners Alex Samuel in the second-row, the latter having been a mainstay in the engine room throughout the 2025/26 season to date.

Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge both return to action in the back-row after missing the trip to Ulster, whilst Jack Dempsey continues at number eight in an all-Scotland loose-forward trio.

Behind the scrum, George Horne and Dan Lancaster are paired once more in the half-backs, having dove-tailed to good effect in the wins over Cardiff and Ulster to close out the regular season.

Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall are retained as the midfield combination, the duo having linked up for the opening try of the victory over Ulster a fortnight ago.

Kyle Steyn leads the team from the wing, with Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay retaining their places in a back-line unchanged for the third successive match.

Jare Oguntibeju and Jack Oliver are both set for their first experience of the BKT URC playoffs after being selected amongst the replacements, in a six-two split of forwards and backs.

Gregor Hiddleston joins Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row replacements, whilst Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu offer further options to Smith and his coaching team in the pack.

Ollie Smith rounds out the matchday 23, the Marr RFC product providing cover across the back-line for tomorrow night’s encounter.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Connacht will present a strong challenge tomorrow evening. They have a well-drilled squad full of talent, and come here as one of the most in-form teams in the competition.

“We are pleased to welcome Scott back into our matchday 23 after his injury layoff – he has worked hard and worked closely with our medical and S&C teams to put himself in the best possible position ahead of his return.

“We know the difference that the Warrior Nation can make, and we look forward to hearing them get behind the team at Scotstoun as we kick off the playoffs tomorrow night.”

1 Patrick Schickerling (26)
2 Johnny Matthews (108)
3 Zander Fagerson (175)
4 Scott Cummings (153)
5 Alex Samuel (56)
6 Matt Fagerson (139)
7 Rory Darge (78)
8 Jack Dempsey (69)

9 George Horne (155)
10 Dan Lancaster (21)
11 Kyle Rowe (52)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (86)
13 Stafford McDowall (116)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (108)
15 Josh McKay (80)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (47)
17 Rory Sutherland (24)
18 Sam Talakai (42)
19 Jare Oguntibeju (23)
20 Euan Ferrie (56)
21 Sione Vailanu (43)
22 Jack Oliver (7)
23 Ollie Smith (65)

Unavailable for selection: Ben Afshar (ankle), Gregor Brown (calf), Ryan Burke (knee), Alex Craig (foot), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Angus Fraser (back), Huw Jones (foot), Charlie Savala (knee), Grant Stewart (ankle), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Max Williamson (knee).