Scotland’s next generation handed momentous debuts

Pictured: Warriors' Callum Reidy during a United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 09, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Both teams have been tested in their opening three games, but exceptional rugby has been seen at Hive Stadium, Scotstoun, and on the road.

Amongst those URC matchday squads, some of Scotland’s next generation found themselves called upon and made their debuts, forging memories that won’t be forgotten.

But, who has been handed their debut so far this season?

Rory McHaffie

The Scotland Under-20s winger found himself called upon for the opening game week of the season, and came off the bench against Ulster in Belfast, becoming #1357 in the club’s history.

This was just the start of an incredible fortnight for McHaffie, as a week later he made his home debut under the lights at the Hive and scored the winning try against Stormers in front of friends and family.

Pictured: Edinburgh’s Rory McHaffie during a Scottish Building Society Pre-Season Friendly match between Edinburgh and Ulster at the Hive Stadium, on September 04, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group).

After the game, he couldn’t contain his excitement, saying: “I’m a bit lost for words really… to score on home debut is unreal and what a result overall. I was a bit relieved when I scored because the ball was bobbling around in front of me, so I had to deal with the pickup first before diving over in the corner!”

Jamie Stewart

Edinburgh’s #1358 – Jamie Stewart. The prop made his debut for the capital club last weekend in Italy against Zebre Parma, coming on in the 73^rd minute to replace Scotland international Pierre Schoeman, topping off a perfect period after getting recently engaged to his partner.

Stewart came through the Scottish Qualified programme, having been born in Kirkcaldy but moved to Devon at a young age. He was a prominent feature in his time with the Under-20s, and is now a part of Edinburgh’s academy set-up.

Callum Reidy

The scrum-half’s story is unlike many others. Born in Aberdeen but brought up in Australia, Callum Reidy originally caught the eye playing for Glasgow Hawks in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership, before joining the academy this summer after an extended spell training with the Warriors last season.

Reidy, who is Scottish-qualified, made his debut in Glasgow’s 36-19 victory over Connacht last weekend, becoming Warrior #379.

Pictured: Glasgow’s Callum Reidy and Jare Oguntibeju during a United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 09, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Jake Dalziel

Jake Dalziel had an impressive year playing up age grades for Scotland Under-20s, providing magic on the pitch in the Six Nations and Junior World Championships in Georgia, meaning it doesn’t come as a shock to many that the stand-off has already made his debut for Newcastle Red Bulls this season.

He became the club’s youngest-ever Premiership debutant when he came off the bench in the 27^th minute in Devon against Exeter Chiefs, at 18 years and 54 days.