Adam Hastings handed first start since return to Glasgow

Adam Hastings will start for the first time since returning to Glasgow this summer after being handed the number 10 jersey for Friday’s United Rugby Championship match at home to Benetton.

The 27-year-old Scotland stand-off – who has endured an “emotional” few weeks since the death of his aunt earlier this month – came off the bench in the second half of last weekend’s agonising 20-19 defeat away to Ulster.

And now he will get the chance to play for Glasgow at Scotstoun for the first time since June 2021 after returning north from Gloucester, where he spent the past three seasons.

Hastings takes over from Tom Jordan, who drops out as one of six changes to the starting XV made by Franco Smith. Scotland prop and 2021 British and Irish Lions squad member Rory Sutherland is in line for a debut off the bench.

“Tomorrow night presents us with an opportunity to build upon the effort shown by the players in our opening URC match of the season,” Smith told the Warriors’ website.

“Benetton have recruited well during the off season and are a team with ambitions of challenging at the top of the standings. We know they will be a tough challenge and one we will need to meet head on.

“We also look forward to seeing Rory make his debut for the club. He has trained well since arriving in the summer and we know he will be eager to make an impact.”

George Horne and Scott Cummings return to the match-day 23 as substitutes after missing the defeat at Ulster through injury but their fellow Scotland internationals Jack Dempsey and Huw Jones continue to be among the Warriors’ absentees.