URC Preview: Both sides start 2023 at home.

URC Preview: Both sides start 2023 at home.

Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors are both in BKT URC action this weekend.

Edinburgh are in action first, as they host Zebre Parma at DAM Health Stadium (kick off 3pm) – live on Viaplay.

Edinburgh Rugby welcome the return of Scotland caps Dave Cherry and Nick Haining as part of nine changes from their 1872 Cup defeat at BT Murrayfield.

In the backline, Cammy Hutchison (inside centre) makes his first starts of the season, with Jack Blain named on the wing.

With a number of senior back-three players unavailable, Blair Kinghorn shifts to wing meaning Charlie Savala gets the nod at stand-off alongside scrum-half Charlie Shiel.

In the pack, Angus Williams starts at tighthead prop as Jamie Hodgson (lock) comes into the tight-five.

Academy graduate Connor Boyle gets the nod at openside flanker after featuring from the bench in last weekend’s 1872 Cup decider.

Ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Mike Blair said: “We’re really excited to give a number of players their opportunity this weekend and they’ll be raring to step up and represent the city in a hugely important fixture for the club.”

Then on Sunday, Glasgow welcome DHL Stormers to Scotstoun for the first time (kick off 3pm) – live on Viaplay.

After a dynamic cameo off the bench last time out, George Turner comes into the starting XV at hooker as one of five changes.

An all-new second-row combination sees JP du Preez make just his second start in Glasgow colours, pairing up with Lewis Bean in the engine room.

Behind the scrum, George Horne starts at scrum-half after contributing 13 points off the bench last weekend.

And Huw Jones comes into the centre to start against his first professional club.

Head Coach Franco Smith said: “After finishing 2022 strongly, coming up against the defending champions will provide us with a good measure as to where we are in our development.

“The last few weeks have shown the continued development that this group of players has undertaken, and the next job for us is to continue along that path against one of the toughest teams in the league.”

Spread the word

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign-up for our newsletter today to receive the latest updates, content and releases from Scottish Rugby.

Sign-up

Principal Partners