Ventisei to make Glasgow Warriors debut

Johnny Ventisei will make his senior professional debut for Glasgow Warriors tomorrow evening, after being named at outside centre for this weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster at Scotstoun.

The former Scotland U20 captain wears the number 13 jersey for his boyhood club, in a matchday 23 that sees 11 players who were involved with the Scotland setup throughout the championship return to Glasgow colours.

Fin Richardson returns from injury to start in the front row, the tight-head lining up alongside Patrick Schickerling and Gregor Hiddleston for the visit of the defending champions.

Alex Craig and Alex Samuel form an all-international partnership in the second-row, the former having come off the bench for Scotland against Ireland last weekend.

Macenzzie Duncan starts at number eight in the week that saw him put pen to paper on a first-ever professional contract with the Warriors, with Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu packing down on the flanks.

George Horne and Dan Lancaster link up behind the scrum in the half-backs, the latter having crossed for a try on his last run-out at Scotstoun in the 31-22 victory over Munster at the end of January.

Ventisei is joined by captain Stafford McDowall in the midfield, one of just two players who started on Leinster’s most recent visit to Scotstoun in October 2023.

The other survivor from that starting XV, Josh McKay, starts at full-back for tomorrow’s encounter, as Ollie Smith and Kyle Rowe return from Scotland camp to line up on the wings.

A six-two split of forwards and backs amongst the replacements sees Seb Stephen join Rory Sutherland and Sam Talakai as the front-row cover, whilst Jare Oguntibeju wears the number 19 jersey.

Ally Miller rotates to the bench after starting last time out, as Angus Fraser provides additional cover in the back-row.

The backs are covered by Jack Oliver and Adam Hastings, with Hastings having recovered from an injury sustained in Scotland camp to take his place in the matchday 23.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are pleased to be back in action this weekend, and we are looking forward to running out at what promises to be a sold out Scotstoun. We haven’t welcomed Leinster to our home since October 2023 and it promises to be an exciting game for everyone.

“It goes without saying that Leinster has been amongst the standard setters in European rugby for many years, with strength in depth across every position and a squad filled with international talent that can cause problems for any team – we know we must be at our best to meet their level tomorrow evening.

“Johnny has worked hard behind the scenes to put himself in the best position possible ahead of his first senior appearance, and we know he will give everything for this team.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster at Scotstoun, Saturday 21 March, kick-off 5.30pm. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow all the action on our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Patrick Schickerling (20)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (40)
3 Fin Richardson (12)
4 Alex Craig (14)
5 Alex Samuel (48)
6 Euan Ferrie (50)
7 Sione Vailanu (37)
8 Macenzzie Duncan (11)

9 George Horne (151)
10 Dan Lancaster (14)
11 Ollie Smith (58)
12 Stafford McDowall (C) (109)
13 Johnny Ventisei (0)
14 Kyle Rowe (47)
15 Josh McKay (73)

Replacements

16 Seb Stephen (12)
17 Rory Sutherland (21)
18 Sam Talakai (35)
19 Jare Oguntibeju (16)
20 Ally Miller (44)
21 Angus Fraser (25)
22 Jack Oliver (3)
23 Adam Hastings (83)

Unavailable for selection: Ben Afshar (shoulder), Gregor Brown (hamstring), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Nathan McBeth (ankle), Duncan Munn (hamstring), Charlie Savala (knee), Kyle Steyn (foot), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee).