Scottish Rugby

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Captain leads by example

Kyle Steyn has been playing wondrous rugby all season, but he seemed to go up another level on Friday, on both sides of the ball; two tries, a brilliant 50-22, a magnificent try-saving tackle on Josh Ioane - he was by a mile the game's most influential man.

This was a battle for Glasgow and Steyn stood up every time things looked like getting a bit ropey, not just in his marquee moments, but in his overall work-rate, his defensive excellence and his leadership. He's one of the great Glasgow players.

Cool under pressure

It was far from foot-perfect from Glasgow, but it was a strong win against a team that exploded into this quarter-final on the back of terrific form.

There was no mistaking Glasgow's ability to strike back rapidly after getting hit by a Connacht score. That capacity to deny Connacht real momentum was a big factor in the winning of this game.

When Cian Prendergast scored the game's opening try, Patrick Schickerling scored four minutes later.

When Dave Heffernan made it a seven-point game just after the hour, Jare Oguntibeju replied four minutes after that.

That quick response was evident again in the wake of Finlay Bealham's try on 72 minutes. Glasgow snuffed out Connacht's chances when Steyn struck within minutes.

That resilience and class in attack saw them over the line.

The mojo is returning

Glasgow weren't at their scintillating best, but they look like they're getting there.

The demons of Toulon in the Champions Cup and back-to-back hidings in South Africa are probably exorcised now.

This was a third win in a row and another step in the right direction to getting their all-court game back on track.

They play the Bulls in the semi-final at Murrayfield. Friends reunited. What a rivalry there is between these two teams.

Another belter is in store. Glasgow will relish this semi-final.

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Glasgow Warriors will face the Bulls at Murrayfield in the first of next Saturday's United Rugby Championship semi-finals, with the kick-off at 14:30 BST.

Johan Ackermann's Bulls side were big winners in Pretoria, as they ran in six tries to rack up a 45-14 victory over Munster on Saturday to progress to the last four.

The Warriors secured their place in the semis on Friday night as they eventually overcame a stubborn Connacht side 33-21 at Scotstoun.

They will now head to Edinburgh's Murrayfield, as Scotstoun is unavailable while it is being prepared to help host Glasgow's Commonwealth Games later this summer.

The Bulls only visited Warriors last month, with Franco Smith's men running out 25-21 winners in a tight game.

It's been two years since Glasgow visited Pretoria for the URC final and, at its famous altitude, reached their highest high as they won their second title.

As for the Bulls, they have finished runners-up in the previous two URC seasons and will be hoping third time is the charm.

Leinster will meet the Stormers in the second semi-final at Dublin's Aviva Stadium next Saturday at 17:30.

Stormers beat Cardiff 44-21 in Cape Town in Saturday's second quarter-final before Leinster defeated Lions 59-10 in Dublin.

Glasgow secured their place in the URC semi-finals with a 33-21 win over Connacht at Scotstoun. We asked for your opinions, and here's a taste of what you had to say...

Chris: Brilliant to see Scott Cummings back but I think Alex Samuel might be even harder in the physicality stakes. Forwards were outstanding. Backs delivered too, although George Horne's injury looked serious - hopefully not as bad as it looks.

Brian: A hard-fought game tonight and we just couldn't put Connacht away until late on in the game. Worrying injury for Horne, looked like he's dislocated his wrist passing the ball. If he's out then we'll need Jamie Dobie fit for the semi-final to stand a chance. Well played tonight though, got there in the end.

Stuart: Firstly, a nod to Connacht. They were only a couple of unforced knock-ons in the first half away from an early lead, and had some unlucky injuries in the second, but they were great to watch.

Well done Glasgow for dealing with a really dangerous side. First-half was a little clunky, second half the plan clearly changed and Dan Lancaster found his passing range after a shaky start.

Kyle Steyn was monumental and Stafford McDowall is the in-form centre for Glasgow just now above the vaunted 'Huwipulotu' combination. The forwards set the standard for form though, endless grinding hard work to put Glasgow in the right positions.

Tom: That was an intense, aggressive performance against a very strong opponent. Our defence was excellent and we were totally committed to getting into the semi. Good performances all over the pitch and just hoping that George Horne is fit for next week

Greg: Superb Glasgow, probably the hardest opponents to get in the first round of playoffs and dealt with them with aplomb. Even if they go out next week, this team should be proud of themselves. They are the pride of Scottish rugby and if they get to the final, I will be making my way up the road!

David: Another clinical display as Glasgow made better use of the conditions than Connacht, who hardly kicked at all when they were playing with the wind in the first half. Glasgow's kicking for position in the second half was the major difference between the two sides. Scott Cummings had a great game considering how long a lay off he has had.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kyle Rowe says pure desire carried Glasgow Warriors through a tough United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Connacht.

The Irish side proved a tough nut to crack but Warriors ultimately came through 33-21 winners at Scotstoun, with captain Kyle Steyn leading the way with two tries in a player-of-the-match performance.

"We spoke all week that they weren't going to be a pushover team," Rowe told BBC Scotland.

"They came here and they tested us but I feel like we proved that we wanted it a bit more than them. I'm not saying that they didn't want it, but especially at home we just wanted it that little bit more.

"It wasn't perfect and we'll go again next week. [Steyn] was awesome tonight and the forwards put in a shift. Now we roll on to next week."

Warriors will face either Bulls or Munster in the semi-final at Murrayfield next Saturday, and Rowe is hoping for a bumper crowd in Edinburgh.

He said: "We know the Warrior Nation will be there but we want as many people in Scotland, Scottish rugby fans, to come support us next week and make it a special occasion."

A Kyle Steyn-inspired Glasgow Warriors fought their way into the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship after a stiff test at Scotstoun against the underdogs from Connacht.

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Head coach Franco Smith believes Glasgow Warriors are representing Scotland after reaching the United Rugby Championship semi-finals.

Glasgow will meet the Bulls or Munster at Murrayfield next Saturday after defeating Connacht 33-21 at Scotstoun Stadium. Edinburgh's Murrayfield, Scotland's home venue, will also host the final should the Warriors progress.

"We'll take the win for tonight," Smith told Premier Sports.

"I think we represent Scotland, not just Glasgow anymore.

"To go and play at Murrayfield, most of the boys have played so many Test matches there already - they know the surface, they know the atmosphere.

"Hopefully, it's going to be a special night.

"It's going to be tough, regardless of who we play."

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Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman has signed a three-year contract to stay with Edinburgh until 2030.

The 26-year-old was Edinburgh's top scorer in the 2025-26 campaign with nine tries in 16 games, and won the club's player and players' player of the season awards.

Canada-born Ashman, who made his British and Irish Lions debut last summer, joined Edinburgh from Sharks in 2023.

Head coach Sean Everitt says "world-class" Ashman is now "one of the most dangerous forwards in the game".

He added: "But Ewan is more than just a performer – he's a leader. He's someone our players look up to and someone who sets the standards for the whole group.

"To tie him down to a long-term deal is huge for this club, and I'm delighted we've got this extension done."

Ashman said: "I love this club, I love this city and I genuinely have a smile on my face every time I come into work. That's something pretty unique and not something I take for granted.

"I know this is a special group. We're hungry for success and we want to take this team to the next level. The desire in this squad to win something together is real, and I want to be part of that."

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Scotland second row Scott Cummings returns from injury to make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance for four months in Friday night's URC quarter-final against Connacht at Scotstoun.

Cummings, who last played for Franco Smith's side in January, has been out since suffering a calf injury in Scotland's Six Nations win over France in March.

The British and Irish Lions international replaces the injured Gregor Brown while Patrick Schickerling starts at loosehead having been rested for last weekend's away win at Ulster.

Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge both return in the back-row having also missed the trip to Ulster, but Jamie Dobie remains out.

"Connacht will present a strong challenge," head coach Smith said.

"They have a well-drilled squad full of talent and come here as one of the most in-form teams in the competition.

"We are pleased to welcome Scott back after his injury lay-off - he has worked hard and worked closely with our medical and strength and conditioning teams to put himself in the best possible position ahead of his return."

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Steyn, Stafford McDowall, Sione Tuipulotu, Kyle Rowe, Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Johnny Matthews, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Alex Samuel, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Jack Oliver, Ollie Smith.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English feels Glasgow Warriors' URC quarter-final opponents Connacht will "feed off the underdog tag" when they head to Scotstoun on Friday night.

It'll be the fourth successive season in which Glasgow host the quarter-final but is set to be their last of the season at Scotsoun whether they progress or not.

If they get through, their semi-final is set to be at Murrayfield, while they are hopeful they would also be able to play their home final at the national stadium if they go all the way.

Franco Smith's side will likely be favourites to progress, but English is expecting Connacht to put up a serious fight.

"It's one of the toughest tasks you're going to get in the URC, especially with George Horne back in the team, Glasgow are a different side when he's playing," English told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"It is a formidable challenge for Connacht but they're coming here with a lot of form, a lot of momentum, a lot of belief.

"They will feed off the underdog tag as well. They will fire a lot of shots at Glasgow. I think Glasgow will have too much for them but it could be a classic game.

"It really could be a classic game because Connacht will not die wondering. They are going to have a right crack here.

"I think Glasgow will win the game but I'm really looking forward to it because it could be toe-to-toe for quite a while and I expect and hope Glasgow will pull away at the end."

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Centre Kienan Higgins is returning to Edinburgh on a one-year deal.

The 26-year-old previously joined Sean Everitt's side on a short-term basis in January from New Zealand side Hawke's Bay but has spent the intervening months in Major League Rugby with the New England Free Jacks.

Higgins will link up with his younger brother, Riley, who signed a three-year deal with the club back in April.

"I am absolutely delighted to be coming back to Edinburgh," he said.

"I loved my time here earlier in the season and I can't wait to see the squad again – there are some brilliant people at this club.

"It's obviously an incredible bonus that I get to come back alongside Riley; to play alongside my brother at the same club is something pretty special."

Head coach Everitt added: "We really enjoyed working with Kienan during his time here and we're delighted to welcome him back this summer.

"He made a strong impression during his spell with us and we're excited about what he can bring to the squad on a longer-term basis. He will add further competition in what is already a very competitive midfield group."

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Glasgow hope to have Scotland trio Matt Fagerson, Jamie Dobie and Scott Cummings available for their tilt at URC glory.

Stand-off Dobie and lock Cummings have both been sidelined by injury since the Six Nations earlier this year, but have returned to training before Friday's quarter-final at home to Connacht.

"Jamie and Scott trained last week, so we just need to see how they react," defence coach Scott Forrest said.

"We'll just wait and see whether they're actually in the mix this week, or obviously if we get past this weekend, then is it going to be the week after."

Back-rower Fagerson missed the last match of the regulation URC season as Glasgow sealed top spot with an away win over Ulster.

"That was probably a little bit more of a precaution," said Forrest. "He trained at the start of the Ulster week and then pulled up towards the end of the week, nothing too serious. He just felt his groin a little bit, so again, he should be back in the mix."

Gregor Brown and Huw Jones are both set to miss the visit of Connacht.

"It's a tough one for Gregor," said Forrest. "It was his first game back from his hamstring injury and he's tweaked his calf against Ulster. We'll just need to see how he reacts.

"Huw's still recovering in terms of his foot injury. He didn't train last week. He will hopefully play again this season but whether it's this week or semi-final, again if we get there, then we'll just wait and see."

This weekend's match is set to be Glasgow's last of the season at Scotstoun regardless of whether they progress or not.

If they get through, their semi-final is set to be at Murrayfield, while they are hopeful they would also be able to play their home final at the national stadium if they go all the way.

Scottish Rugby chiefs are trying to negotiate with concert organisers to ensure the stadium is available for Glasgow's potential involvement in the final on June 20.

"We still don't have confirmation," said Forrest, when asked about the possibility of being able to play a final at Murrayfield.

"If that happened obviously, it would be great for our fans and it would be great for us but until it's confirmed we don't really want to pay too much attention to it.

"And having been knocked out in a quarter-final of the European competition already [against Toulon], we're trying not to talk or look past this Friday night against Connacht."

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Back-row Connor Boyle has signed a one-year contract extension to stay with Edinburgh next season after battling back from a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old made his return in December after more than a year out.

Boyle, who has played 49 times for his hometown club, said: "This club means everything to me – it always has.

"The last year and a bit has been the hardest of my career but I never once thought about giving up.

"I worked as hard as I've ever worked to get back out on that pitch, and I feel like I'm getting back to my best. There's still so much I want to give."

Head coach Sean Everitt added: "What Connor has shown over the past 12 months is the kind of character that defines this group.

"Coming back from a long-term injury of that nature takes real mental strength, and he's done it the right way – quietly, diligently, without fuss.

"He's an Edinburgh man, born and bred, and that matters. He understands what this club means to the supporters and what it means to wear this jersey."

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Ally Miller has signed a contract extension as Glasgow Warriors gear up for the URC play-offs.

The 30-year-old back-row joined Glasgow in 2021 having come through the ranks at Edinburgh and has made 47 appearances for Franco Smith's side

"The momentum we have here as a squad is brilliant, and I've loved contributing to this group throughout the last five years," said Miller.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to get my head down and do my bit for the boys."

Head coach Smith, whose side host Connacht next Friday in the play-off quarter-final, said: "Ally's work ethic and diligence to becoming the best version of himself has been evident throughout his time with us, and makes him a real asset to our squad."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

It didn't matter on a grand scale. We were unable to make the eight but finishing a tempore horribilis with one of our worst-ever defeats at home felt somewhat fitting.

The 26-5 thrashing by Connacht may even be the worst-ever defeat at the Hive depending on your standpoint. A 21-point deficit. The same as 2022 when we lost to Munster but that day it was 38-17 and we at least managed three tries.

It is also our joint worst points total (38) in the URC, matching our total in 2022-2023. We won one fewer game back then but 12th was the headline for both years.

The game itself displayed a number of things that have been apparent for the entire season.

The effort was there but the words of Richard Cockerill spring to mind: "Effort should not be commended. It should be expected."

Our attack was hopeless or directionless or wayward or just hapless. Pick your own adjective. After 20 minutes we had 78% possession, had been in Connacht's 22 at least five times and scored zero points.

Connacht's defence was good but we offered little bar physicality which they just soaked up.

We had an opportunity for an easy three points in that opening quarter and then there was another chance after Connacht had taken the lead. It may not have made a difference but it might have put a different dynamic on the game and changed the narrative.

As already alluded to, the bodies were definitely on the line but it felt like the brains were on the beach.

No one bar Darcy Graham had anything approaching a decent game in the backline. The performance as a whole was typified by the moment after we scored our late try. Ross Thompson was given two shots at the conversion and missed both.

So where does this leave Edinburgh?

I do have some confidence in an upturn in our fortunes for the new season but it will depend on how quickly our new recruits arrive and how readily they adjust to their new surroundings.

Given that a couple of those signings may not be with us until late October, the fixture list which has just been released could be significant.

We will soon find out if those are the pieces required or if it's the board itself that needs to change.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

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Craig Chalmers paid tribute to his friend and former Scotland teammate Scott Hastings, who died on Sunday, aged 61.

The pair played together during Scotland's Grand Slam win in 1990 and Chalmers says he has spoken to people around the world paying their respects.

"It's very sad news," he told BBC Scotland. "Scott was a rugby hero to many - an icon in the game, not just in Scotland.

"He wasn't just a great player, he was a great friend. He was so positive about everything. He would light up a room.

"He would do anything for anybody. He made me feel so welcome when I came into the Scotland team. He was a great person, but a fun person as well."

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We asked for your memories of the great Scott Hastings, who died on Sunday aged 61.

Scott: I worked briefly with Scott in the mid-80s, with offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We were only four years apart in age. Already a 'celebrity' rugby player before there was such a thing, I had the pleasure of Scott's company when he gave me a lift back to Edinburgh from Glasgow, where I was working, in his car. All I can remember was his relaxed nature and that the journey was full of laughs and stories. I wish I remembered more. Years later my parents sold our house to Gavin Hastings. RIP Scott. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Gary: Very sad news. Great player. Great man. Thoughts with his children at this tough time.

Dennis: Terribly sad news. His partnership with Sean Lineen in the Scottish midfield was every bit as good as Huwipuloto. A great player and an even greater man.

Hector: Scott Hastings was an absolute hero growing up. I could not believe it when I heard this news and had no idea he was so ill. As many have said, despite the personal anguish he must have experienced with his late wife Jenny, he was always remarkably positive and enthusiastic about life and about rugby. His passion and completely non-biased, fair views were really refreshing in this day and age. He was part of perhaps the last 'golden' era of Scottish Rugby greats who's feats will be indelibly inked in folklore forever. A huge loss for the game of rugby.

Bruce: So sad to see another Scottish legend pass away. Iconic moment for me was the second-half try-saving tackle on Rory Underwood in the 1990 Grand Slam game - I remember it if it was yesterday. A true gentleman of the game. RIP.

Graham: His try against England in 1986. I was on a survey vessel off Mumbai when we eventually received a three day old Daily Record… we couldn't believe the score. Later I saw the highlights and remember the great Bill McLarens commentary: 'oh look at the joy on his face!' A great player and a force off the field as well. Sleep well laddie.