Glasgow call back Scotland star as they host Cardiff in URC

Scotland wing Kyle Steyn will make his first United Rugby Championship appearance in almost five months when he captains Glasgow in Friday’s match at home to Cardiff.

The 30-year-old was sidelined by injury from the end of October and only managed one outing for his club – a Champions Cup match at home to Toulon in January – prior to starting four of the Scots’ five Six Nations fixtures.

Similarly, Scotland back-rowers Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey – who were also troubled by injury prior to the Six Nations – have both been selected for their first league matches since the late November clash with Ulster.

In the fourth change to the side that started the 19-9 away win over Benetton in Treviso almost three weeks ago, Duncan Weir replaces Ross Thompson at stand-off.

Glasgow, currently third, will have the chance to go top of the URC table overnight if they defeat a Cardiff side who have won just three of their 11 matches so far.

“Everyone is looking forward to being back at home tomorrow night,” head coach Franco Smith told the Warriors website.

“We know that we will need to be at our best. Cardiff will pose a strong challenge, with a powerful pack of forwards and some high-quality backs that will test us around the park.”

Scotland internationals Jamie Bhatti, Richie Gray, Huw Jones, Ollie Smith and Sione Tuipulotu are among those absent through injury, while Zander Fagerson and George Turner are rested, but former Scotland Under-20 co-captain Duncan Munn, a homegrown centre, is in line for his competitive debut off the bench.

“It is an exciting opportunity for Duncan Munn to represent this club for the first time in a competitive match,” said Smith. “He is a local boy proud to pull on the Glasgow shirt, and he has earned his place in the matchday squad.”

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Sebastian Cancelliere, Stafford McDowall, Tom Jordan, Kyle Steyn (CAPT), Duncan Weir, Jamie Dobie, Nathan McBeth, Johnny Matthews, Lucio Sordoni, Max Williamson, Alex Samuel, Euan Ferrie, Matt Fagerson, Jack Dempsey

Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Allan Dell, Oli Kebble, Sintu Manjezi, Ally Miller, Henco Venter, George Horne, Duncan Munn