URC Preview: Glasgow and Edinburgh get campaigns underway

Glasgow get underway first, as they head to Treviso to take on Scottish-Italian Shield rivals Benetton tonight (kick off 5.30pm) – live on Premier Sports 1.

Three players are in line to take to the field for the first time in Glasgow Warriors colours, as Lucio Sordoni, Sintu Manjezi and Tom Jordan are selected in the starting lineup.

The Warriors are captained by their new skipper, Kyle Steyn, who will also make his 50th appearance for Glasgow.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org following selection, Franco Smith said: “We’re all excited to get our season underway tomorrow evening in Treviso.

“The boys have all worked extremely hard throughout pre-season and tomorrow gives them the opportunity to show the results.

“Lucio, Sintu and Tom have all earned the opportunity to make their debut for the club tomorrow and we look forward to seeing them make their mark in a Warriors jersey.

“Benetton are a fit attacking minded team who like to run the ball from everywhere and we’ll need to be at our best tomorrow in Treviso.”

Then on Saturday, Edinburgh Rugby start their campaign at DAM Health Stadium as they host Dragons RFC (kick off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports 2.

Fijian star number 8 Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata will make his first start in nine months. The 2019/20 URC Players’ Player of the Season made his initial comeback from injury in last weekend’s pre-season friendly in Treviso.

Edinburgh are captained by newly-appointed co-captain Jamie Ritchie.

Ahead of the match, Head Coach Mike Blair said: “We’re thrilled to be back home and we’re excited to kickstart the season in front of the Edinburgh supporters at DAM Health Stadium.

“The squad have all put in the hard yards throughout pre-season, gearing up for Round 1 of the competition, and now it’s time represent the city and show what it means to play for this great club.

“We know Dragons will travel north with confidence. They’ve made some savvy signings over the summer and have restructured their coaching team – they’ll feel rejuvenated as a squad, so we need be focussed and ready to take them on from the first whistle.

“The season opener is always exciting for everyone – players, staff, sponsors and supporters. It’s a chance to get your journey off to the best possible start, and that’s what we intend to do on Saturday night.”