Nine Scotland internationals named in Glasgow side

Adam Hastings will make his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors since October, with a further eight Scotland internationals named in the squad to face Dan McFarland’s Ulster at Scotstoun on Friday night.

The 24-year-old fly-half returns from injury and is named in the starting XV, with the Warriors looking to make a winning return to action a month since their 23-22 victory over Edinburgh.

Oli Kebble’s release from Scotland camp during the Guinness Six Nations’ fallow week sees the loose-head run out in Glasgow colours for the first time since December’s trip to Exeter, joining Johnny Matthews and Enrique Pieretto in the front-row.

Richie Gray also returns to the Warriors following international duty, with Leone Nakarawa making his first start for the club in a year alongside the former Cambuslang man.

Club co-captain Ryan Wilson leads the side from number eight, as Rob Harley and Thomas Gordon line up on the flanks.

Hastings is partnered in the half-backs by Jamie Dobie, the teenage scrum-half making his first appearance since committing his future to the club with a new contract last month.

Having started in the 12 jersey against Edinburgh, Robbie Fergusson shifts to outside centre to accommodate the return of Sam Johnson in midfield.

After making his club debut last time out, Rufus McLean retains his place in the starting lineup as he takes his place on the wing, with Ratu Tagive and Huw Jones completing the back-three.

Two further players released by Scotland for this weekend’s fixture line up amongst the Glasgow replacements, as Grant Stewart and D’arcy Rae join Aki Seiuli as the front-row cover.

Having agreed a short-term loan deal from Worcester Warriors earlier this week, 21-year-old second-rower James Scott goes straight into the matchday squad to wear the 19 shirt.

TJ Ioane is selected to cover the back-row, whilst Sean Kennedy is in line to make his sixth appearance of the season if called upon from the bench.

The replacements are completed by two of the club’s most promising young talents; having joined fellow Scotland U20 flyer McLean in making his debut against Edinburgh, Ollie Smith joins Ross Thompson in the matchday squad for a second consecutive outing.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh have announced that Scotland international prop WP Nel has signed a new contract with the capital side. Richard Cockerill will name his team to play Munster on Friday.