Tuipulotu captains Warriors for Bayonne clash

Sione Tuipulotu will lead Glasgow Warriors in their first-ever meeting with Aviron Bayonnais this weekend, after being named as captain for tomorrow night’s Investec Champions Cup clash at the Stade Jean Dauger.

The centre is one of 10 internationals selected in the starting XV for tomorrow night’s match, as Franco Smith’s men look to kick-start their European campaign following defeat to Northampton Saints last time out.

George Turner is the only alteration to the front-row, as the Scotland hooker packs down between fellow internationals Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson.

An all-new second-row combination sees Greg Peterson line up alongside Alex Samuel in the engine room, the latter making his Investec Champions Cup debut for the Warriors.

Similarly, a brand-new back-row trio sees Ally Miller start at number eight, with Gregor Brown and Thomas Gordon selected on the flanks.

George Horne returns from injury to start at fly-half, partnering Ross Thompson in the half-backs on the fly-half’s first start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Huw Jones rekindles his partnership with Tuipulotu in the midfield, the pair having first played together almost exactly a year ago in victory over Perpignan in December 2022.

Kyle Rowe comes into the back-three in place of Sebastian Cancelliere, with Ollie Smith and Josh McKay retaining their places from last weekend.

Angus Fraser is another set to make his Investec Champions Cup debut this weekend after being named amongst the replacements, the former Dundee Eagle lining up alongside Nathan McBeth and Oli Kebble as the front-row replacements.

Richie Gray rotates to the bench after starting at Scotstoun last time out, whilst Max Williamson and Ben Afshar retain their places amongst the replacements after impressive cameos last weekend.

Henco Venter wears the number 21 shirt in a six-two split of forwards and backs, with the matchday 23 being rounded out by Tom Jordan.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Bayonne will provide a strong test for us tomorrow night – they dug deep to earn a draw with Munster last weekend and will want to put on a performance for their supporters in their first-ever home match in the Investec Champions Cup.

“As with all clubs, eight matches in a row leaves its mark on a squad, so it is important to keep the squad fresh while also putting out the team that we believe is best placed to challenge the opposition we face each week.

“We have spoken all season about this club being on a journey to become a great squad, and we have always known that squad depth will be important across both the URC and in Europe – we are excited to see everyone contribute tomorrow night.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Aviron Bayonnais at Stade Jean Dauger, Friday 15 December, kick-off 8pm (UK time). You can watch the match live on TNT Sports or follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (94)
2 George Turner (94)
3 Zander Fagerson (134)
4 Greg Peterson (40)
5 Alex Samuel (9)
6 Gregor Brown (14)
7 Thomas Gordon (68)
8 Ally Miller (19)

9 George Horne (103)
10 Ross Thompson (41)
11 Ollie Smith (37)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (41)
13 Huw Jones (62)
14 Kyle Rowe (6)
15 Josh McKay (33)

Replacements

16 Angus Fraser (8)
17 Nathan McBeth (28)
18 Oli Kebble (91)
19 Richie Gray (107)
20 Max Williamson (3)
21 Henco Venter (5)
22 Ben Afshar (3)
23 Tom Jordan (32)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Sebastian Cancelliere (neck), Jack Dempsey (face), Jamie Dobie (ankle), Matt Fagerson (face), Euan Ferrie (ankle) Sintu Manjezi (foot), JP du Preez (knee), Lucio Sordoni (shoulder), Kyle Steyn (ankle), Murphy Walker (knee).