Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Glasgow Warriors captain Kyle Steyn says there will be no sense of panic among his team after their horror URC double-header in South Africa.

After an eight-try hammering at the hands of the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend, the Scots suffered another heavy defeat to the Stormers, a loss that saw them lose their grip on top spot in the table.

The two games saw Glasgow concede a combined 14 tries and 102 points, with Franco Smith's side having nothing to show for their efforts.

"We came here, we lost the key battles both weeks, we lost set-piece, we lost the kicking game and then we coupled that with just too many errors and an ill-discipline, particularly in the first 40 of both games and it's just tough to build any rhythm or any momentum," Steyn told Premier Sports.

"Credit to both teams, they were pretty good at putting us away.

"There's no need to panic.

"It's a long season and these things happen.

"We've got a week to regroup now, and then we've got two more games, so it's just about sharpening up for that."

Stormers delivered a dominant victory over Glasgow Warriors in Cape Town to usurp the Scots at the top of the United Rugby Championship table.

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is "excited about where the club is going" as he admitted he is already looking ahead to next season, with little to play for in their remaining fixtures.

The capital club have beaten Zebre and the Sharks in their past two games while fielding a very young side as 18 first-team players are currently injured within the squad.

Off the pitch, they have announced the arrival of two new coaches, Brad Davis and Tim Sampson, with two incomings already announced - centres Riley Higgins and Geordie Gwynn.

On top of that, they have also been linked to Crusaders scrum-half Louie Chapman, who is also Scottish-qualified.

"There will be a couple more," Everitt said of on-field signings. "We really are excited. We're actually excited about where the club is going.

"We started this process about 18 months ago - giving youngsters opportunities within the group so that they could grow into senior players.

"We've seen teams like the Lions being very successful in that process that we're going to follow.

"It's exciting times for Scottish rugby because we've been talking about 'who will be the next generation?' We've got several them on the field here."

In a dismal URC campaign, the rise of blindside Liam McConnell, 21, has undoubtedly been the bright point. Alongside him, tighthead Ollie Blyth-Lafferty and fellow flanker Freddy Douglas have become regulars.

Besides that trio, there have also been encouraging signs from scrum-half Hector Patterson, centre Findlay Thomson, and back-three players Jack Brown and Malelili Satala.

Speaking to Premier Sports, Everitt added: "The team came together and it was a question of 'what are we going to play for in the last four games?'

"They wanted to show fight, care for the jersey, and make the fans proud. We had a full house tonight and I'm sure they've done that."

The head coach also touched on the importance of Ewan Ashman, who had another storming performance in a strong individual season.

"He's a very important player to us," Everitt said. "He joined the leadership group several weeks ago and he's made a massive impact there as well. He's normally a quiet guy around the group.

"With that, his rugby has grown as well. He's improved his set-piece, but he's not getting uptight when he does lose one or two."

Edinburgh secured back-to-back wins for the first time since May as they came from behind three times to beat Sharks at the Hive.

Head coach Sean Everitt says it shows the club are heading in the right direction for next season.

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Forward Elliann Clarke wants Scotland to "right some wrongs" against Italy in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday after their hammering by England last week.

The Scots followed their opening win over Wales with an 84-7 home loss and are looking to bounce back in Parma.

"Coming off the back of last week, we really are conscious that we want to put in a really good performance this weekend and right some wrongs from England last week," said Bristol prop Clarke.

"But we're excited to play against Italy. They've got some really exciting backs and they play a really fun, exciting brand of rugby to watch so I think it'll be a challenge.

"It always is, it's always a close game and it's gone back and forward between us over the last few years. But in training we've been really excited to take some steps forward and really get into them up front and in set-piece and just prove ourselves a bit further from last week.

"Physicality will be our first thing we're looking for and then just a bit of skill execution.

"We really want to go out there, score some points, put on a performance that genuinely we can be proud of as players, as coaches and for the fans at home to really give them something to cheer."

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Ryan Burke will make his first Glasgow Warriors start in the second row as captain Kyle Steyn returns for top of the URC table visit to Stormers.

Warriors lead the way by four points going into the contest in Cape Town and will need to improve on last weekend's 54-12 mauling from the Lions in Johannesburg.

There are 10 changes to the starting line-up, with Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson forming a new front row and Angus Fraser chosen at openside flanker.

Adam Hastings is back from injury at fly-half and is joined by scrum-half Ben Afshar.

Centre Sione Tuipulotu swaps places with Stafford McDowell after coming off the bench against the Lions.

Steyn and Ollie Smith are the wingers, with Kyle Rowe shifting to full-back.

The 6ft, 7in Burke, 21, who made his debut as a replacement in Johannesburg, will play alongside Alex Samuel.

Warriors, champions in 2024, and Stormers, the 2022 winners, share a record of 11 wins and four defeats.

"They are able to call upon some of the most exciting talents in the URC, blending physicality up front with an electrifying back-line," said Glasgow head coach Franco Smith of the hosts.

"It is a test that we know we must be at our best to match."

Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Steyn (capt), Jones, Tuipulotu, Smith, Hastings, Afshar; Schickerling, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Burke, Samuel, Ferrie, Fraser, Dempsey.

Replacements: Matthews, McBeth, Talakai, Cockburn, Oguntibeju, Vailanu, McDowall, Oliver.

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions.

Brian asked: Regarding the ongoing coaching problems, why do the SRU/Edinburgh seem to be happy to sit and take all the flak without reply? If a player showed such lack of backbone, they would be gone.

Tom answered: The SRU might argue they're responding by appointing Brad Davis and Tim Sampson to the coaching ticket and signing Riley Higgins for next season. I'd imagine more names will be announced soonish.

Action speaks louder than words. I don't really care what the decision-makers at Edinburgh say, but I do care about what they do.

Their faith in Sean Everitt surprises me, but they've made that call now, however unpopular. They have a lot more calls to make. They need a top-class 10 and strong 15 for starters. And they need to get an awful lot more out of Duhan van der Merwe.

He's not going to be playing many Tests, I'd imagine, so he'd better get used to bringing his best stuff to Edinburgh instead. He's been an expensive luxury item the past two seasons - hampered by injury at times - and he needs a big club season next time around.

Alan asked: As Glasgow battle on while leading the URC table and after some good wins in Europe, the key question is will Franco Smith receive the backing to sign at least three high quality players at number eight, stand-off and centre?

Tom answered: They're losing a lot in the summer - Jack Dempsey, Huw Jones, Adam Hastings, Sione Vailanu, Johnny Matthews and Jamie Bhatti.

They're bringing in Ruwald van der Merwe, the 27-year-old South African back-row, and promoting a raft of talented players from the academy - Macenzzie Duncan, Matthew Urwin, Johnny Ventesei, Fergus Watson, Kerr Yule.

The outgoing players account for some pretty hefty salaries, so Smith needs to be given every latitude to recruit. The emphasis has to be on Scottish-qualified players but there is a little bit of give in that.

They need more at 10, they could do with another hooker, probably need a heavy-hitter in the back-row, too. Smith needs help. He's earned it.

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt has made three changes for Friday's home URC match against Sharks.

The Scottish outfit edged Zebre last weekend and they have kept the majority of that line-up.

Cammy Scott replaces Ross Thompson at fly-half, while Glen Young and Tom Currie come into the back row. Liam McConnell and Connor Boyle miss out with concussion.

"Last week's win gave us a huge lift," Everitt said. "It went right to the wire but the character the group showed – and particularly some of the younger players – to see it out was incredibly pleasing.

"We're excited to give Hector [Patterson] another shot at nine – he showed last week exactly what he's capable of. Cammy [Scott] has been outstanding in training and fully deserves his opportunity to start.

"The Sharks come to Edinburgh knowing they need to win, and they'll be fired up for that. They bring genuine international experience across the park, and we know how dangerous they can be. We won't be underestimating them for a second."

Edinburgh XV to face Sharks: O'Conor, Graham, M. Tuipulotu, Thomson, Satala, Scott, Patterson; Schoeman, Ashman, O. Blyth-Lafferty, Sykes, Gilchrist, Young, Douglas, Currie.

Replacements: Richardson, Venter, Hill, Hunter-Hill, Dodd, Shiel, Thompson, Brown.

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions on Edinburgh arrivals and the physical strain on the modern rugby player.

David asked: New Edinburgh signings Hector Patterson, Riley Higgins and Geordie Gwynn: your thoughts?

Tom answered: I'll take Higgins first because there's more to study there than there is with the other two. He looks a really strong attacking centre and a solution to a major problem position. To me, he can play 12 and 13 and also on the wing, so great versatility.

A Super Rugby debut at 19, a former Junior All Black and New Zealand Undder-20 player, a call-up for an All Blacks XV in 2024-25. The pedigree is pretty strong.

And he's only 23. He won't be available until the end of October, but I'd have high hopes. If it wasn't for a broken leg last May he'd have a lot more Super Rugby games under his belt with the Hurricanes.

Mosese Tuipulotu and Higgins looks a very decent midfield for next season. Matt Currie has something as well. Let's see.

Gwynn is joining from the Ealing Trailfinders. Sixteen games played this season and 16 wins. He's only 22 and has a bit of versatility as well - wing or 13.

He was on the same Scotland U-20 team as Liam McConnell, Freddy Douglas and Patterson, so he'll have some familiar faces around him.

It's hard to judge him right now. The Trailfinders are so much better than everybody else in the English rugby Champ - 24 wins from 24 games with 21 bonus points. It won't be so easy for him next season.

Patterson is only 21 so let's not expect miracles just yet, but he's quick and lively and a real prospect. One Edinburgh game and one try already. Edinburgh's George Horne? Ok. I'll calm down, but he's got a lot of potential.

Rod asked: Many Glasgow players looked really tired last Saturday - it was more than the altitude. We now have the Nations Cup forcing teams to field their best players - how can we expect players to play almost a 12-month season? And how can this be good for the game?

Tom answered: I wouldn't have the South African teams in the URC. It was done purely for monetary reasons but the travel is madness and the toll on players is significant.

Plus, why is the northern hemisphere helping the world champions by bending over backwards to allow their teams compete in the URC and European competition? It's not like they need a helping hand to improve, is it?

I've said it for years, there's too much Test rugby, but I understand the respective unions derive most of their income from international games, so that's not changing any time soon.

When the time comes, I'd be kicking the South Africans out of the URC and shortening that league season. These players need more breathers.

Visit this page again on Friday morning for part two of the Q&A

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Grant Gilchrist has signed up for a 16th consecutive season at Edinburgh, with head coach Sean Everitt praising the Scotland lock as one the club's "greatest-ever players".

The 35-year-old - second behind Allan Jacobsen in Edinburgh's all-time appearance list - played his 231st game for the URC outfit last weekend and has started 11 matches this season.

He also remains a key part of the Scotland squad, becoming the country's most-capped lock during this year's Six Nations when he made his 88th international appearance.

Gilchrist, whose new deal runs through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, says it was a "no-brainer" to continue his Edinburgh career.

"This club is everything to me - it always has been," he added.

"I've never wanted to play anywhere else. As long as I feel I can compete at the highest level and give everything I've got for Edinburgh, I'll keep going. The day I can't do that is the day I'll walk away - but that day hasn't come yet.

"I still feel in a great place physically and I'm really motivated going into next season."

Everitt added: "Grant is one of Edinburgh's greatest ever players – I don't think there's any argument about that.

"But what makes him special is that he makes it easy to say that week in, week out, because he never gives you a reason to think otherwise.

"It's still a genuine pleasure to coach him every single week. His leadership is so vital to everything we do – on the pitch, in the changing room, around the whole squad. He sets a standard and the players around him rise to it."

Scotland players Rachel McLachlan and Demi Swann are guests on this week's episode of the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast as the national side look to bounce back from the heavy defeat by England when they face Italy on Saturday.

Plus, Andrew Petrie and Tom English discuss Glasgow and Edinburgh's fortunes in the URC.

Listen and subscribe on BBC Sounds.

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Edinburgh have signed former Scotland Under-20 winger Geordie Gwynn from Ealing Trailfinders on a three-year deal.

The 22-year-old Brighton-born back, who will join in the summer, has notched six tries in 14 appearances for the Champ Rugby side this season.

Gwynn, whose mother was born in the Scottish capital, said: "I'm delighted to sign for Edinburgh.

"It'll be really nice to see some familiar faces and I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of the players and staff.

"I believe Edinburgh is the perfect place for me to develop my game, continue improving and I can't wait to get stuck in."

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is delighted with his latest recruit having already secured the signing of Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins this week.

"He's an explosive, dynamic back who has impressed everyone who has watched him come through the age-grade ranks and his performances with Scotland Under-20s showed he has the quality and temperament to compete at the highest level," Everitt said of Gwynn.

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

I have to admit to being a little lost for words. This has actually been a good week for Edinburgh.

Two new coaches. Marshall Sykes and Mosese Tuipulotu re-signed. Riley Higgins, a centre with Hurricanes, joining for the new season.

Was there something else in the plus column? Oh aye. We won a game.

Only a fourth home win in the league in what has been a trying season for our supporters who turned up in record numbers for a home game against an Italian side.

It wasn't a thing of beauty but there were bits and pieces to applaud.

There was a first try from Connor Boyle since November 2023 against Leinster. He is out of contract at the end of the season and after missing the whole of last year I'd be happy to see him get an extension.

It was a strong debut for Hector Patterson. He looked very comfortable and confident. His box kicking was on point and his passing, when not hindered by our backline not being ready, was good.

I very much enjoyed seeing him shove Zebre seven Giovanni Locatelli out of the way at a ruck in the second half and the try he scored before the break with a nice assist from Malelili Satala was the icing on the cake.

We've had too many occasions where the second half and specifically the last 20 minutes have been our downfall so it was nice to see the team come from behind twice as the game got towards the finish and for the soon-to-be-much-missed Boan Venter to secure the win as the final whistle loomed.

No one will be getting carried away. We got a little lucky. Zebre have been propping up the table all season and it could be argued their choice to kick a couple of penalties as opposed to going to the corner may have cost them.

We stuck to the task though and with tries in both the fifth and 76th minute it was at least a 71-minute performance.

We face Sharks at the Hive on Friday. We have only beaten them once. It was in 2022 and ironically that was in South Africa.

We may need a bigger effort.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

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Scrum-half Hector Patterson has signed his first professional contract with Edinburgh after his try-scoring debut in last Friday's URC win over Zebre.

The 21-year-old former Jed-Forest, Hawick and Scotland Under-20 player helped Edinburgh seal a 31-30 victory over the Italian outfit.

Patterson said: "Friday night was everything I dreamed it would be. Pulling on that jersey for the first time in a competitive match, in front of our own fans at Hive Stadium, was a moment I'll carry with me forever. I loved every single minute of it and it's only made me hungrier for more.

"Signing my first pro deal is what I've been working towards my whole career. To get here, at this club, feels incredibly special."

Do you have any burning questions for our rugby experts after Scotland's bruising Six Nations defeat by England?

Or maybe you want to know more about last weekend's URC action as Glasgow were beaten comprehensively by Lions and Edinburgh scraped past Zebre?

Send in your questions via this link and a selection will be answered and published on this page later in the week.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland number eight Emily Coubrough says Scotland are in a position to "go after" the rest of the Six Nations despite Saturday's bruising defeat by England.

The Red Roses ran in 12 tries at Murrayfield in a show of power and speed, which Scotland could not cope with.

Sione Fukofuka's side missed 52 tackles on a tough afternoon but Coubrough says a brutal learning experience against the world champions can set them up for Italy next week after beating Wales in week one.

"It was very physical and very fast," the 19-year-old, who earned her second cap, told BBC Scotland.

"Although it was tricky and they are very talented opposition, there was so much to take from that and build on for next week.

"They displayed what they're great at and we didn't rise to that. [Defence] is a big work on for us.

"These next few games are the ones we really want to go after and we're in a brilliant place to do so."

Over 30,000 fans turned out at Murrayfield to set a Scottish record for a standalone women's sporting event.

Coubrough says she and the squad were emotional as the bus drew into Murrayfield and was greeted by thousands of fans.

"It was just insane, the atmosphere was incredible," she said.

"I've never experienced a crowd like that before, and it drives you on so much even in the difficult times.

"As soon as we turned into Murrayfield everyone was just in shock at how many people were there. To come round the corner and get off the bus with so many people around you cheering us on, it was incredible.

"I had a couple of tears in my eyes."

Rugby fans, you had three games to watch over the weekend. Here are your views on Edinburgh's narrow win over Zebre, Glasgow's heavy defeat to Lions, and Scotland's loss to England in the Women's Six Nations.

SCOTLAND WOMEN

Annemarie: We just couldn't compete with England but who can? They're in a league of their own. They're world champions and will no doubt win the Six Nations again. It was amazing though to be a play a part in history. Biggest crowd ever for a Scotland women's rugby team. It's something to remember and how far these women have come! Let's finish on a high and win the next three games that are coming up. Let's turn out to support them.

Stuart: Regardless of the result, the attendance was better than many of us had probably predicted. Time for the SRU to let them play at Murrayfield for every home game.

Mark: This was not a day if you were a Scotland supporter expecting a win. Instead, it was a joyous carnival to celebrate just how much women's team sport, and rugby in particular, has grown over recent years.

A special credit to those Scottish players who have amassed 60-80 caps. Despite the score, they enjoyed a day in the sun that perhaps they never would've imagined when initially embarking on their rugby careers.

GLASGOW WARRIORS

Stuart: Poor, poor performance from Warriors. We seem to have come back from the Six Nations break in disarray. Just an off game I hope. Recycling the ball was slow and the Lions could reset their defence easily.

Brian: The last two games have been a couple of bitter pills to swallow, and the next one will not be an easy ride either. Some key injuries have hit us hard. We've been brilliant all season, let's hope the boys can pull a bit of magic to hopefully get the reward of home play-off ties from the remaining games.

Ethan: The defence was terrible at times and players made ridiculous mistakes. It was always going to be a hard game regardless of injuries, but must acknowledge the younger players involvement still giving it their all e.g. Jack Oliver's first start, Fergus Watson on wing, Ryan Burke and Dylan Cockburn on bench.

EDINBURGH

Steve: Who would have predicted that Edinburgh's one-point win at home against the league's place holders (no offence intended) would be the highlight of Scotland's rugby weekend? If this is progress, let's hope the SRU's plan is to go backwards before going forwards.

Graeme: Turgid - I can't wait for this season to be over. How can Edinburgh struggle to beat one of the weakest sides in the league? Speaks volumes about the capitals setup.

Stair: We saw the emergence of a talented scrum half [Hector Patterson] and the team did not rely on box kicking as their only attacking option. Ewan Ashman ran about like a 20 year old! On the downside it was a real struggle to beat the worst team in the league by one point. No real go forward and leaky defence. How many more excuses from Sean Everrit?

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Edinburgh have signed Scottish-qualified centre Riley Higgins from Hurricanes from next season.

The club says the deal is "one of the most significant pieces of recruitment in Edinburgh Rugby's recent history" as Higgins joins on a three-year deal.

Higgins, 23, qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother, who is from Ayrshire and can play at 12, 13 or on the wing.

Edinburgh say the New Zealand-born back was in-demand after a promising start to his career.

"Riley is an outstanding talent and this is a significant signing for Edinburgh Rugby," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"He has already proven himself at the highest level in the southern hemisphere - a player who was keeping All Blacks out of the Hurricanes' starting lineup before his 24th birthday - and we believe the best is still very much to come from him.

"The fact that he has chosen to turn down a potential All Blacks future, and has rejected higher offers elsewhere, to come to Edinburgh tells you everything about his ambition to succeed in Scotland.

"We worked enormously hard over many months to get this deal over the line, and I'm delighted we've got it done."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland hooker Elis Martin says the players will learn to deal with emotion of big occasions better after their experience against England.

A record of over 30,000 people turned out to watch the Six Nations encounter at Murrayfield which was charged with emotion for the Scotland players.

But England spoiled the party in brutal fashion as they ran in 12 tries to run out 84-7 winners.

Martin says it was understandable if there were some "jitters" from Scotland, and they wil be stronger for the experience.

"It's different to what we've ever experienced before. It's the first time a lot of people have felt 'Oh wow - there's more people than I can count.'," Martin told BBC Scotland.

"You couldn't even see people up in the stands. It was incredible and exactly what we want.

"But it's a difference. Even the tunnel, the anthems, having the piper it was all amazingf. The emotions were incredible, and I wouldn't wouldn't personally change that for the world, the way that felt.

"It might feel at the end of the day that the game was the most important thing. But taking a moment to take that emotion in and have a tear in your eye - I can forgive it.

"I can forgive it if the first try was because people were a bit over-stimulated and overwhelmed.

"We want that again and again, and by the second time it all happens when we have 40,000 next time, people will be used to it."

Glasgow suffered a bruising eight-try defeat by Lions in Johannesburg, but remain top of the United Rugby Championship table.

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