Stage set for 1872 Cup opener
16 Dec 2025One of the most highly-anticipated fortnights of the season is finally upon us, as Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby go head-to-head for 1872 Cup glory.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: The 1872 Cup is pictured as Glasgow Warriors announce that Hampden Park will host this year's annual 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh Rugby at Hampden Park, on October 08, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) With the two teams running out at Hampden Park this weekend for the first leg, here’s a look at how they shape up ahead of Saturday’s showdown:
Form Guide
Glasgow Warriors
Supporters of Franco Smith’s squad could not have asked for a more perfect lead-in to the opening match of derby season, after the Warriors produced a stunning comeback to earn a 28-21 victory over six-time European champions, Stade Toulousain.
Despite trailing 21-0 at half-time, Smith’s men scored four tries and 28 unanswered points in the second half to raise the roof at Scotstoun in an atmosphere unparalleled in recent seasons.
Coupled with the opening round 26-21 away to Sale Sharks, and the Warriors are sitting pretty atop Pool One as the Investec Champions Cup group stages reach the halfway point.
Edinburgh Rugby
The capital side enters the opening leg of the 1872 Cup with mixed European form. Their campaign began with a stunning Round One victory over three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon, only to be well beaten by Top 14 opposition, Castres, at Stade Pierre-Fabre this past weekend.
Edinburgh’s bonus-point victory in the first round demonstrated their potential, particularly the forward pack’s dominance. They successfully bullied the Toulon forwards, with a pushover scrum penalty try perfectly showcasing the strength of the capital’s big men.
While Sunday’s defeat in Castres involved a much-changed squad from the Toulon victory, it provided invaluable experience to a cohort of younger players.
Star Men
Glasgow Warriors: Sione Tuipulotu
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been in sublime form since returning to Glasgow colours following the Quilter Nations Series, finding himself at the heart of two monumental victories for the Warriors. The BKT Player of the Match in last season’s victory over Edinburgh at Hampden Park, the centre will have his eyes firmly fixed on another statement display this weekend.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 24: Warriors Sione Tuipulotu in action during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Vodacom Bulls at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 24, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Edinburgh Rugby: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe has a history of saving his best performances for the 1872 Cup derbies, and his strike rate against Glasgow is exceptional. Following a quieter Quilter Nations Series for Scotland, the giant winger will be desperate to put in a match-defining performance.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 07: Edinburgh’s Duhan van der Merwe during an Investec Champions Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and RC Toulon at the Hive Stadium, on December 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Ones to Watch
Glasgow Warriors: Gregor Hiddleston
Highly rated by coaches and supporters alike at Scotstoun, Gregor Hiddleston produced one of the performances of the weekend in Saturday’s win over Toulouse. A near-flawless lineout display was matched by 20 tackles and the match-winning try for good measure, only adding to the former Dumfries Saint’s burgeoning reputation in the front-row.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Warriors’ Gregor Hiddleston in action during a closed door friendly match between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 24, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Edinburgh Rugby: Liam McConnell
Liam McConnell has started the season in brilliant form, demonstrating the pedigree that saw him skipper his country at age-grade level and earns him a consistent ‘future star’ tag. The 21-year-old will be playing in his first 1872 Cup derby and will be undoubtedly keen to leave his mark on the fixture.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 07: Edinburgh’s Liam McConnell during an Investec Champions Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and RC Toulon at the Hive Stadium, on December 07, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
