Scottish Rugby

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Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe returns from injury for Edinburgh's URC trip to Dragons on Saturday as both Pierre Schoeman and Magnus Bradbury prepare for their 150th appearance for the club.

Van der Merwe is one of four changes from the win over Sharks last time out, as Harry Paterson also returns from injury at full-back, Ross Thompson replaces Cammy Scott at fly-half and Callum Hunter-Hill starts in the second row.

"The mood in camp has been really positive after two excellent home performances," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"Back-to-back wins have given the group genuine momentum and there's a real energy about the place - some of our younger players in particular have been outstanding and they're driving standards every day in training.

"Going to Rodney Parade is a different challenge entirely. It's a difficult venue, a passionate crowd, and Dragons will be fired up on home soil. But we believe in what we're doing right now and we'd love to make it three wins on the bounce."

Edinburgh XV to face Dragons: Paterson, Graham, M. Tuipulotu, Thomson, Van der Merwe, Thompson, Patterson; Schoeman, Ashman, O. Blyth-Lafferty, Hunter-Hill, Gilchrist, Young, Douglas, Currie.

Replacements: Richardson, Venter, Hill, Sykes, McConnell, Bradbury, Shiel, O'Conor.

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Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the summer departure of Tonga back-row Sione Vailanu after four seasons at Scotstoun.

The 31-year-old has scored 10 tries in 41 appearances since joining from Worcester in 2022, but has been used sparingly this season, making just three starts.

He is among the substitutes for Friday's home game against Cardiff.

First capped for Tonga against Japan in 2017, Vailanu has played 14 times for his country.

He joins Adam Hastings, Huw Jones, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews in exiting the club, while Duncan Weir is set to retire.

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Club captain Magnus Bradbury has signed a one-year contract extension with Edinburgh.

The Scotland back-row, 30, is set to make his 150th appearance for the club against Dragons this weekend, having featured 18 times so far this season.

"There's only one place I want to be, and that's here," said Bradbury, who made his Edinburgh debut against Leinster in 2014.

"This club means everything to me – it always has – and pulling on the jersey every week as captain is something I don't take for granted for a single second.

"It obviously hasn't been the easiest of seasons at times, and I'm very aware of that. But I really hope the supporters can see what's being built here. The growth over the last few games has been real, and I want us to go out, win these remaining matches, and finish the season on the front foot.

"I take huge pride in being captain of Edinburgh Rugby. This city, this club - it's home."

Bradbury returned to the international fold for Autumn Nations Series fixtures against the USA and Tonga and earned his 19th cap as a replacement in the Six Nations match against Ireland in March.

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Scotland pair George Horne and Matt Fagerson return from injury on Friday evening as Glasgow Warriors host Cardiff in their final home match of the URC regular season.

Both players have been missing since April, through an ankle injury for Horne and hamstring issue for Fagerson.

Zander Fagerson completes the front-row trio with Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews, while Ally Miller makes his first start in the second-row.

Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge line up on the flanks, with Dan Lancaster returning to the line-up at number 10. Horne starts at scrum-half in a Warriors side showing nine changes.

Glasgow currently trail leaders Stormers by a single point and will be aiming for a five-point haul to put pressure on the South Africans, who are away to Ulster on Friday.

"Everyone is looking forward to being back at our home tomorrow night," said head coach Franco Smith.

"Cardiff remain firmly in the play-off hunt with a squad fully committed to their goal, and they will come here ready to compete for everything.

"Our focus this week has been on ourselves. We know how much the supporters are a part of our journey, especially this season – we want to give them a performance to be proud of in our last home game of the regular season."

Glasgow Warriors: McKay, Steyn (capt), McDowall, Tuipulotu, Rowe, Lancaster, Horne; Bhatti, Matthews, Z Fagerson, Miller, Samuel, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Hiddleston, Schickerling, Talakai, Oguntibeju, Duncan, Vailanu, Afshar, Smith.

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Glasgow Warriors fly-half Adam Hastings will miss Friday's URC clash against Cardiff and next weekend's trip to Ulster after being handed a two-match suspension.

Hastings was the subject of three temporary suspensions over the course of three months - against Zebre Parma on 24 January, at home to Leinster on 21 March and away at Stormers on 25 April.

The incidents against Zebre and Stormers were deemed foul play involving dangerous tackles, while against Leinster it was deemed foul play through retaliation.

"I consider his conduct was moderately serious," a league statement read.

"The two dangerous tackles had concerning similar features with no attempt to wrap with the arms.

"I determine the appropriate sanction is a suspension from the game of rugby union of two weeks."

Tom English and Andy Burke answer audience questions, preview Scotland v France in the Women's Six Nations and round up Edinburgh and Glasgow's URC fortunes.

Plus they also look at recent transfers in Scottish rugby - is it a surprise that Jamie Ritchie is back in Scotland playing rugby for Glasgow?

Listen and subscribe to the BBC Radio Scotland Rugby Podcast on BBC Sounds.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Captain Rachel Malcolm has been ruled out of Scotland's Women's Six Nations match against France on Saturday.

Malcolm missed the defeat to Italy in Parma in round two with a knee injury, pulling out on the morning of the match having been named in the starting line-up.

Scotland assistant Claire Cruikshank confirmed Malcolm remains sidelined but has not been ruled out for the remainder of the championship.

"Rachel Malcolm's currently not fit for selection for this game," said Cruikshank.

"It's just a continuation of that knee issue. We're hopeful that she'll be back by Ireland.

"She's still with the squad. Rachel's still here and is a very key component in everything we're doing this week in the build-up to the France game.

"She's very much in and around and still leading by example in everything that she does in terms of her rehab and obviously just being around the group as well."

Cruikshank confirmed that wing Rhona Lloyd and back-row Emily Coubrough are going through return-to-play protocols following concussions, but Evie Wills, Rachel McLachlan and Hannah Walker have all been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Midfielder Lisa Thomson is back in the squad and should provide much needed experience for a side looking to bounce back against the French after heavy defeats to England and Italy.

"France are a top quality side for a reason," Cruikshank said.

"They're a semi-finalist in the World Cup and they're a brilliant opponent. We're excited to get back to Hive and play there in front of our home fans again and build on the experience from playing [England] at Murrayfield because the fans were fantastic that day.

"We know they're a real tough team to stop if you let them get momentum so we have to try and stop that momentum. But it's a brilliant opportunity for us as a squad to put some wrongs right."

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Edinburgh prop Paul Hill has signed a new two-year deal with the Scottish club.

The England international, 31, joined from Northampton Saints in 2024 and has become a regular in the Edinburgh front row.

He joins Grant Gilchrist and Mosese Tuipulotu in committing his future to the club, with academy products Hector Patterson, Jack Brown and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty also signing pro deals in recent weeks.

"Edinburgh feels like home now – and that's not something I say lightly," Hill said.

"This club, this city, the way the squad is being built by Sean [Everitt] – everything about it sits right with me. I'm really happy playing my rugby here, and that happiness hopefully shows on the pitch.

"I'm aware that I'm one of the more experienced players in the group, and I take that responsibility seriously. Helping bring through the next generation of props is something I genuinely care about.

"But I want to be clear, I'm still so hungry. I want to win things with this club. The way we're building here and the ambition in this squad excites me, and I want to be right at the heart of it."

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Scotland have been boosted by the return of experienced centre Lisa Thomson for their final two Six Nations matches - but Rachel McLachlan will play no further part.

Thomson, 28, has missed the first three matches after surgery following last year's World Cup, but joins the squad for the visit of France to Edinburgh and the final game away to Ireland.

With 75 caps Thomson will add power, experience and solid kicking to a Scotland group chastened by heavy losses to England and Italy after beating Wales in their opener.

Injuries have taken their toll on Sione Fukofuka's team, with back-row McLachlan now joining backs Evie Wills and Hannah Walker on the lengthy casualty list.

Scottish Rugby say replacements for those players will be announced in due course.

Captain Rachel Malcolm was taken out of the starting side just before kick-off against Italy after hurting her knee against England and is a doubt for the France game.

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Edinburgh have continued their recruitment drive by adding English fly-half James Grayson from Japan Rugby League One team Mitsubishi Dynaboars.

The 27-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the URC club.

Grayson, who can play full-back or at 10, made almost 100 appearances for boyhood club Northampton Saints before a move to Japan in 2023.

He departs Mitsubishi Dynaboars have played 48 games and scored 294 points.

"I'm delighted to have signed with Edinburgh for next season," said Grayson.

"After three years overseas, the time feels right to return closer to home and the opportunity to play in the URC was a big factor in my decision.

"It's also a special moment for me and my family – my great granny was a very proud Scottish lady and I know she would have been delighted to see me make this move."

The fly-half, son of former England World Cup winner and British and Irish Lion Paul Grayson, is Edinburgh's fifth new signing after Riley Higgins, Louie Chapman, Geordie Gwynn and Alec Hepburn.

"We're really pleased to add James to the group," said head coach Sean Everitt.

"He's an impressive player - someone who reads the game well and brings a real quality with the boot, both from hand and at goal.

"He's played a huge amount of rugby at a high level. He'll come in and challenge for the 10 jersey and that competition for places will be good for the squad."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland international Jamie Dobie has committed his future to Glasgow Warriors by signing a new long-term contract at Scotstoun.

The versatile back was already under contract until 2028, but Warriors have moved to reward a player who was enjoying an outstanding season before injury struck.

The 24-year-old initially established himself at Warriors as a scrum-half, but his performances on the wing led to him starting in the back three for Scotland's first two Six Nations matches against Italy and England this year.

Dobie sustained a shoulder injury in the Calcutta Cup victory and has been out of action since.

It is hoped he will return to play some part for Glasgow in the URC play-offs and be available for Scotland's Nations Championship matches this summer against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old winger Kerr Johnston has become the eighth Warriors academy player to sign a first professional contract prior to the new season.

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Scotland prop Alec Hepburn brings "invaluable" experience to Edinburgh after agreeing to join on a two-year contract, says head coach Sean Everitt.

Hepburn, 33, will arrive in the summer from fellow URC side Scarlets.

The Australia-born loosehead spent a decade with Exeter Chiefs, winning the Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020, before a two-year stint with Scarlets.

Former England international Hepburn made his Scotland debut in 2024 and has six caps for the country of his father's birth.

"We're really pleased to be adding a player of Alec's calibre to our squad," said Everitt.

"He's a seasoned international loosehead who has operated at the highest level throughout his career - Champions Cup finals, Premiership titles, Six Nations. That kind of experience and knowledge is invaluable in any group.

"Alec strengthens the depth we have in an important position and adds genuine competition for places, which can only drive standards higher.

"Having someone of his background in our changing room will also be hugely beneficial for the younger props coming through. That blend of quality and leadership is exactly what we're looking for as we continue to build."

Hepburn is the fourth new signing confirmed amid Edinburgh's rebuild, with backs Louie Chapman, Riley Higgins and Geordie Gwynn all on board for next season.

"I'm very excited to be joining Edinburgh. It's a club with great depth and talent within the squad to push very high in all competitions," Hepburn said.

"It's nice to know a few of the guys already. Getting the chance to work week in and week out with them will hopefully bring the best out of me and prove myself in a different environment."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

Edinburgh's youth were less Young Ones and more Young Guns on Friday night against the Sharks.

It did start a little slowly. We were a try down by six minutes, had already conceded three penalties and hadn't really been out of our own half.

It picked up, though. Our first entry into the Sharks 22 resulted in a try by Ewan Ashman, which was born from the lovely move at the lineout that preceded it.

Our matches against Sharks have been mostly close affairs and they went ahead only a few minutes after the restart with our struggles at scrum time being a contributory factor.

Then Grant Gilchrist celebrated his contract extension by dummying a pass to Pierre Schoeman, which allowed him to break and give Glen Young an easy score to keep the game tightly balanced.

Another fumble straight from the restart led to another scrum and I'd have to applaud Sean Everitt's decision at that early juncture to bring on Paul Hill to try to bring some parity in that area.

It swung back in Sharks' favour with a short drive from Vincent Koch, but a quick restart by Edinburgh straight from the Finn Russell playbook gave Edinburgh possession and territory, and only four minutes later Mosese Tuipulotu went over in the corner for his first try of the season.

Ewan Ashman cemented a deserved player of the match award with the charge down that came shortly after that and gave Hector Patterson a run in for his second try in two appearances.

Sharks at this point were starting to look a little deflated and Edinburgh capitalised on that with the Chief Brody coup de grace moment and pick of the tries on the night from Darcy Graham.

Sharks did manage to mirror our last contest with a last-play score in the same corner, but this time it was too little too late.

It was a pleasure to watch this game. There were lots of good performances. Tom Currie was impressive, as was Jack Brown in his two stints. Hector Patterson has been a revelation.

Our discipline also improved as the game progressed and we bagged three second-half tries while only conceding three penalties in that half.

There are caveats, but back-to-back bonus-point league wins are rare for this team, so hope is back on the menu.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

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Glasgow Warriors have bolstered their back-line options for next season with the signing of Bayley Kuenzle on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old Australian will arrive as a free agent from Western Force.

Kuenzle has made 44 appearances for the Perth club, including starts on the wing and at centre as well as covering full-back and fly-half.

He was called into the senior Australia squad for the summer Tests in 2024 but did not feature, having previously represented the country at A and under-20 level.

"I'm hugely excited," Kuenzle told club media.

"It's a massive opportunity for me, and Glasgow is a club that's been successful which speak volumes on the culture. I'm really looking forward to getting over there, meeting the group, and getting stuck in.

"A big part of the move was the style of rugby that Glasgow play and the culture around the club. They play an exciting brand of rugby, and you can see how tight the group is. It feels like a place where you can grow as a player and be part of something special."

Kuenzle, who spent two years with the Brumbies in Canberra before moving to Perth, played in Western Force's 54-7 defeat to the British and Irish Lions last June.

Head coach Smith added: "Bayley is a player that we believe will add to our environment, both on and off the field.

"His versatility will be a real asset to our squad, and he has shown his quality with and without the ball irrespective of the number on his jersey."

Grant Young
Fan writer

So Glasgow return from South Africa with their tail firmly between their legs.

Two blow-out defeats after European disappointment mean Glasgow have lost three on the bounce, just like they did to end the regular season last year.

For all the hype and expectation, the fixture run to end the season has definitely been against the Warriors. Rugby is certainly a squad game and Glasgow have had to dive deep down the reserve list in recent games to search players.

It is great to see so many young players getting opportunities and it does future-proof the side down the road. However, Glasgow now see themselves dropping down the table and are vulnerable in second place.

Only a matter of weeks ago, it looked like Glasgow would be top seed. Now the question is if Glasgow can finish even with a home quarter-final.

A break week this week could be the gap in schedule the squad needs. The front line injuries are well documented, but with recent results it really highlights the value that George Horne has.

The tempo he delivers from the ruck, but also his heart and passion, is really difficult to replace.

Add in Jamie Dobie being absent since the Six Nations and Glasgow have had a vulnerability through the nine position that seriously weakens their game plan.

Jack Oliver and Ben Afshar are young and rough around the edges and I'm sure their time will come, but Glasgow could really do with the return of Horne to the team.

It's not an easy finish to the season in any shape or form - Cardiff at home up next where Scotstoun will expect a result.

Five points in that one could go a long way to securing a good finish, but it's the final game on the road to Ulster that could prove pivotal.

There are now a lot of questions and pressure on the squad and the coaches. A season that promised so much only a fortnight or so ago could be about to fizzle out in disappointment.

Next season will see a lot of changes with so many front line guys leaving and we have yet to hear who could be the replacements. Glasgow's destiny is in their hands, finding momentum and positivity is what is required.

Tom English and Andy Burke answer audience questions and look back on Scotland's "non-performance" against Italy in the Women's Six Nations.

The pair also discuss Glasgow Warriors' wobble in the URC and what appears to be an upturn in form at Edinburgh.

Listen and subscribe to the BBC Radio Scotland Rugby Podcast on BBC Sounds.

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Edinburgh back-three specialist Jack Brown has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 20-year-old Scotland A international has been rewarded after a breakthrough campaign in which he has made 10 appearances.

"This means everything to me," Brown said. "I was born and raised in Edinburgh – this is my city, this is my club, and pulling on the castle and representing the capital of Scotland is something I never take for granted.

"Running out at Hive Stadium gives me a buzz like nothing else. I love playing for this team and I really enjoy working with Sean [Everitt] and the rest of the coaching staff – they've pushed me to become a better player every single day.

"I can't wait to see what the future holds. I want to keep improving, keep earning my place and give everything I have for this club."

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt believes Brown is making encouraging strides and can be a real asset for the club in the future.

He said: "Jack has all the attributes to succeed at this level. He's tall, athletic, has a big boot, he's courageous and he's calm under the high ball – that combination is exciting in a back-three player.

"He now has the opportunity to earn his place in the senior squad and really kick on. We're looking forward to watching him do that."

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Scottish-qualified scrum-half Louie Chapman can "push for the highest level" after the Crusaders man became Edinburgh's latest recruit.

The 25-year-old is Edinburgh's third signing in the past week, following Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins and Scotland U20 back Geordie Gwynn from Ealing Trailfinders.

Chapman qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother and has played five times for Crusaders in Super Rugby this season.

He is expected to move to Edinburgh in the autumn, after Canterbury's Bunnings NPC campaign comes to a close.

"I'm so excited to be joining Edinburgh – a club with such a rich history and a real identity," Chapman said.

"I've been doing my research and the more I've learned about the place, the culture and what the club means to this city, the more I can't wait to get there and be a part of it.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the boys, getting to know the fans and really throwing myself into everything that comes with playing in Scotland. It's going to be a brilliant experience and I just want to get stuck in and contribute as quickly as I can."

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Sean Everitt, added: "We're really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh. He has a huge amount of potential, but what stands out when you watch him is the maturity he brings - the control, the decision-making, the way he manages the game with tempo.

"Those aren't attributes that come by accident, and for a player still on the right side of 26 who has developed in that Crusaders environment, they tell you a great deal about his ceiling.

"He's Scottish-qualified, which adds another layer to this signing. We want players who see Edinburgh as a place where they can grow and push for the highest level. Louie is someone who fits that profile.

"He will come in and challenge our existing scrum-halves, and that competition will make everyone better. He's another high-quality addition to a squad we are building with real intent."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Warriors late season wobble

Glasgow are still very much alive in this season's URC title race, but this late-season wobble is now concerning.

Having built a brilliant platform in both the URC and Champions Cup, the European defeat by Toulon seems to have sparked a mini crisis of confidence.

Injuries are undoubtedly biting hard, but the double-header in South Africa has been really poor. Zero match points claimed, 14 tries and 102 points conceded across the two games and their long-held lead at the top of the table gone. It could not have gone any worse.

They have been here before, bouncing back from disappointment in South Africa to return and claim the URC title in 2024. They did it the hard way then and it's looking like the may have to travel the tough road to do it again.

Tuipulotu goes down fighting

It will hardly go down as one of his great individual performances, but Sione Tuipulotu was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal day for Glasgow.

The Scotland captain was always looking for ball, carrying hard into a defence that was giving little change.

His brilliant break was the spark for Ollie Smith's first-half try, and although gaps were hard to come by as the game wore on, Tuipulotu never stopped trying to find them.

Glasgow will need him at his best in the coming weeks.

Glasgow missing spark at nine

Any team would miss players of the quality of George Horne and Jamie Dobie, and Glasgow's scrum-half injuries are threatening to derail their season.

The tempo which Horne in particular brings is so crucial to the way Warriors play and his influence has been sorely missed in the past few matches.

Ben Afshar is a decent player and will get better with experience, but can be a little laboured at the base of the ruck and that split-second delay is enough to take the edge off the Glasgow attack.

Horne is thought to be not too far away from a return and how Glasgow could be doing with him for the run-in.