Scotland Rugby pathway players back in Edinburgh and Glasgow action

Both teams will face off against their English opponents under the lights this evening (18 September). Edinburgh have travelled south to face Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop, whilst Glasgow host Bath Rugby at Old Anniesland. 

In their opening pre-season game, Edinburgh opted for two sets of XV in each half. Now, a more concise unit awaits to face Harlequins but still includes several of those that featured against Ulster at Hive Stadium two weeks prior. 

Hector Patterson, who was part of Scotland’s victorious side in the Under-20s World Rugby Trophy final at the Hive in 2024, retains his position in the starting XV. 

Jerry Blyth-Lafferty will start at hooker, with Freddy Douglas in the back row, whilst Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Euan McVie, Tom Currie, and Conor McApline feature in the replacements  – all of whom were part of the winning squad alongside Patterson. 

Finally, both Jack Utterson and Henry Kesterton also find spots on the bench, and were also part of the Scotland U20s squad that achieved their best-ever finish in the Junior World Championship this summer, claiming fifth place in Georgia. 

Kesterton crossed the line to score for Scotland in their play-off encounter against Wales before the break, bringing the game level and playing a key part in securing their joint best-ever finish in the competition. 

Glasgow are continuing in similar fashion from their opening match against Newcastle Red Bulls, with Head Coach Franco Smith naming a larger matchday squad, including several young prospects. 

Dan Halkon, who has come through the Scottish Qualified programme, retains his place in the starting forward pack, alongside Jake Shearer, who is also part of the Warriors’ Academy. 

Matt Urwin has recently signed his first professional contract with the club, and will take his place at stand-off in the starting XV. 

Shearer, starting at loosehead, was part of Scotland U20’s squad in 2025 alongside Guy Rogers and Cameron Van Wyk, who both retain their positions in the starting XV. Dylan Cockburn and young prospect Harvey Preston are named on the bench but were also involved in the Scotland squad selection. 

Rogers was amongst the scorers against Newcastle, much like Kerr Johnston, who lined up in the midfield last time out. On Friday night, however, he will look to make an impact from the bench with former pathway player Johnny Ventisei taking his place. 

Both Johnston and Ventisei have just signed their first professional contracts with the Warriors, like the aforementioned Urwin. Fergus Watson, Kerr Yule and Scotland international Seb Stephen similarly signed contracts, and will both be a part of the replacements this weekend. 

Finally, academy prospects Joe Roberts, Ollie McKenna, Harry Provan, and Alex Bryden all await their opportunity to make a positive impact off the bench. 

The United Rugby Championship gets underway in earnest next weekend, with Edinburgh Rugby travelling to Belfast to face Ulster on Friday 25 September, as Glasgow Warriors make the trip to Cork to tackle Munster the day after.