Scottish Rugby

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Melbourne-born Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is relishing the pressure of proving his international allegiance for the British and Irish Lions.

Amid ongoing debate about the selection of foreign-born players, the Glasgow centre is set to line up against his native Australia during this summer's Lions tour.

Tuipulotu, who made his Scotland debut in 2021, is among seven members of Andy Farrell's 38-man Lions squad who hail from overseas.

While five of those players are eligible for their adopted nations purely on residency rules, Tuipulotu qualified through ancestry.

The 28-year-old's Greenock-born grandmother was at Murrayfield last autumn to see him score a try while leading Scotland to a 27-13 defeat of the Wallabies.

"I put so much on myself that I really wanted to be a Lion because I know how much it means to people over here," said Tuipulotu, who initially feared his tour participation may be ruined by injury.

"I had gone all in with the stuff with Scotland and I just felt what better way to prove my allegiance to Scotland than go all in and try and make the Lions. That's why it meant so much to me.

"Genuinely early days you have that feeling of 'Am I part of this?'. I always feel like talking about it is one thing but showing people how much it means to you in how you play (is another).

"When my gran came over before the Australia game, it allowed the public to put a face to the story and listen to my grandma and how much it meant to her. I think that gave eyes to the public that my story was authentic.

"I'm all in and I'm looking forward to showing how committed I am to playing for the Lions."

Tuipulotu is raring to go after returning from four months out with a pectoral issue during Glasgow's 13-5 defeat to Leinster on Saturday.

"I've been nothing but embraced by the Scottish public ever since I started playing for Scotland," said Tuipulotu, who has 30 caps.

"There's always going to be a couple of people (who criticise), like there are for some of the Irish boys, but I take that in my stride because I don't blame those people either.

"I didn't grow up dreaming of playing for Scotland or the Lions, that's the truth.

"But this is where my path has led me and I'm all in for this Lions team and for Scotland and for Glasgow, and I genuinely feel like this is where I'm supposed to be."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

A wee while back I welcomed you all to the inaugural meeting of the Wes Goosen Appreciation Society. If you didn't attend it might just have been because you were at the regular weekly meeting of the 'We love Darcy Graham' forum.

This week's gathering was at the Hive when Graham became only the second player in Edinburgh's professional history to score a trio of hat-tricks.

He has plenty of time to top the list as the player he is tied with is the retired Tim Visser. Graham is already the only player to have scored four tries in a match for Edinburgh.

He did something else for the first time too as he got his first yellow card in Edinburgh colours. This is a bit of a surprise as he literally and figuratively plays on the edge.

Graham's first Edinburgh try came on his debut, against London Irish in December 2017 in the Challenge Cup. I was there and remember the try like it was yesterday as it still typifies his playing style.

Edinburgh were attacking down the left and Phil Burleigh knocked through a grubber. It took a wicked bounce into the air just before the try line over the head of the Irish defender. Graham leapt like a salmon and caught the ball before diving over the defender to score in the corner.

We were winning 31-10 at the time. There was no requirement for him to put himself in such danger but I don't think it even crossed his mind. His focus was laser like.

Richard Cockerill, prior to the match when asked about giving his debut to the former sevens man, said he "doesn't back away from any contest" and that "I think there's a big future for him".

Cockers got that spot on. He seemed to have an eye for a winger!

Graham was my player of the match against Ulster last weekend although there were several candidates in what was an outstanding display by Edinburgh.

Our biggest win against Ulster in terms of tries scored, margin and points total. More importantly the victory came at a moment when it was basically boom or bust for our top-eight hopes and when faced with that scenario last season against Benetton we folded like a cheap suit. That in itself is progress.

A tougher test awaits away to Bulls in the play-offs but we have earned the right to take it.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

Grant Young
Fan writer

The Sione Tuipulotu effect is real.

The Warriors have been disappointing of late, struggling to reach the levels of expectation, but Tuipulotu showed his worth on his return from a four-month injury absence.

In his 40 minutes on the field against Leinster in Dublin he proved why not only he is integral to Glasgow and Scotland but will be a key piece in the British and Irish Lions team this summer.

His individual class created one of the few moments of the first half Glasgow had. He offers so much, causes confusion for opponents, brings confidence to his team-mates and direction in attack.

Both sides of course had already clinched a top-four spot but it felt like they were there to leave a mark.

While the result did not go much-changed Warriors' way, the manner of defeat is weirdly one to be confident about. Seb Stephen, 19, at hooker put in a tremendous shift and is definitely one to be excited about for the future.

A two-week break may now allow some players to return from injury before the home knockout game against the Stormers.

The South African side finished fifth and were beaten on their own patch earlier in the season when Tuipulotu ran the show.

As usual on a Monday, we're giving you the chance to put your burning rugby questions to our reporters, Tom English and Andy Burke.

Whether it's reflecting on Edinburgh's win over Ulster, Glasgow's defeat to Leinster, or anything else Scottish rugby related, our team are ready.

Send your questions via this link and they'll be answered on this page later on in the week.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Sione's back - and sharp

Sione Tuipulotu made his return having not played since the second week of January. He looked good, one chip and gather was the feature of the 40 minutes he played.

For a first game in so many months Tuipulotu's involvement was really encouraging for Glasgow and the Lions.

Glasgow desperately need him to get that backline flying again.

Attack a concern

Given one of their great strengths is the power, pace and variety of their attack, Glasgow's cutting edge has gone rather blunt.

In their past four games they've scored zero points (Leinster away, Champions Cup), seven points (Benetton away, URC), 19 points (with the game already lost against the Bulls at home, URC) and five points (Leinster away, URC on Saturday night).

They've gone huge chunks of games without registering a score. The renewal of Tuipulotu's partnership with Huw Jones should help, but Glasgow are still nowhere near themselves.

They stood up well on Saturday night, in fairness. There was no suggestion of another rout in Dublin.

Stormers next...

Glasgow have had the Stormers' number in recent years, winning the past four against them, most notably the quarter-final in their URC winning season. They also beat them away from home this season and got a bonus point to boot.

Injuries still blight the Warriors, but one man's frustration is another man's opportunity.

Seb Stephen, the 19-year-old Aberdonian, made his debut at hooker in Dublin and was really combative against one of the best teams in Europe. It was a terrific debut in the most testing of places.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Watson is force again

Save for a few worrying moments when Ulster came back at them, Edinburgh put in a meaty performance and conjured one of their best wins of the season.

They were physical, creative and pretty ruthless. They stormed into the last eight and have momentum now. Their pack is firing, their backline is delivering tries, there's a fire about them that's lovely to see.

A few folk typify it - Magnus Bradbury, Ben Muncaster, Jamie Ritchie and, most especially, Hamish Watson, who's been wildly impressive.

He's turning back the clock. Gregor Townsend might be watching...

Bulls a different challenge

The South Africans are on an excellent run, but games against Edinburgh are usually close.

The home team has won every one of them, but the margins have been narrow - 34-28 Edinburgh, 22-16 Bulls, 31-23 Edinburgh, 33-31 Bulls.

The most recent meeting was only a few short weeks ago when Edinburgh beat them at the Hive in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.

They know they can do it at home, but doing it in Pretoria is a different level. They'll travel with belief, though.

Edinburgh have found some steel in recent months. If they can stand up to the Sharks (and should have beaten them) then they can do the same against the Bulls.

Graham answers Lions snub

The winger was a buzz bomb against Ulster; so alert, so sharp, so influential, so ruthless.

Three tries and yet more confirmation that even though he has somehow missed out on the Lions, he remains one of the most exciting wings in the world.

He's now on 15 tries in his 25 games this season following on eight in 10 last season and 16 in 14 the season before. That's 39 tries in his last 49 games for club and country.

Andy Farrell has got this one wrong.

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Scotland's 2026 Six Nations fixtures will start with a trip to Italy and end with a visit to Ireland.

Those matches bookend a home match with rivals England and an away game at Wales before they welcome France.

• Italy v Scotland - Saturday, 7 February

• Scotland v England - Saturday, 14 February

• Wales v Scotland - Saturday, 21 February

• Scotland v France - Saturday, 7 March

• Ireland v Scotland - Saturday, 14 March

Read more on the 2026 Six Nations schedule

We asked for your views as Glasgow Warriors lost to Leinster and Edinburgh defeated Ulster.

Here's what some of you said:

Leinster 13-5 Glasgow Warriors

David: Pleased to see the effort that Glasgow put in against Leinster, and the result could have been much closer had it not been for the extraordinary decisions by Ben Whitehouse. How can anyone knock the ball on with their back to the pitch and how can you have shoulder to shoulder contact when two players are six inches apart? The quality of referees in the URC is really terrible.

Ben: This time last year Glasgow finished fourth after an underwhelming season, and went on to have an incredible three weeks! Hope more than expectation is driving me this time round. A win against the Stormers and a performance against Leinster should be the bare minimum.

Matthew: Glasgow are a team that have shown over the previous two seasons to contain real class, which is why the abysmal performances of the last few weeks have been so disappointing. However this week, despite losing, they showed a lot more of what made them defending champions particularly in defence. Sione Tuipolotu was excellent on his return, and Seb Stephen was brilliant playing his first game in one of club rugby's toughest venues, and Macenzzie Duncan was also very physical and abrasive against a stacked Leinster backrow which gives good promise for Glasgow not only going into the knockouts, but also for future seasons

Ali: Much better from the Warriors. The aggression from the off was great to see particularly when you consider the age profile of the forwards. I thought Seb Stephen showed up brilliantly, as did Macenzzie Duncan. The future can be bright for Glasgow and Scottish rugby.

Edinburgh 47-17 Ulster

Matthew: With the quality of players available to Edinburgh, there should be much higher expectations then sneaking into the top eight in the final game. However given the horrific performance of previous seasons, there is a least finally a sign of improvement and a Champions Cup place next season is a just reward for it.

Neil: Beating the Bulls away from home is a huge task, but Edinburgh have improved greatly over the past half a dozen games. Their defence and their physicality will be strongly tested but I think they will at least compete. Glasgow looked something like their old selves against Leinster, and playing at Scotstoun, with some of their big players like Sione coming back to fitness, should ensure that the Warriors have just a little too much for the Stormers.

Stuart: Best performance of the season and best atmosphere yet at the Hive. Darcy Graham is a class act and should be in the Lions squad.

Andy: Edinburgh finally putting run of decent performances up but away to Bulls will be incredibly difficult. Still, it's sport and if they can get their strongest 15 out on pitch and get off to a good start, you never know. Getting into Champions Cup, after the start of season disappointments, says something about the mentality of the team.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Magnus Bradbury, Edinburgh's captain against Ulster on Friday night, spoke about his team's "tunnel vision" and "steely focus" in the critical win that took them into the URC knockouts as well as securing a place in the Champions Cup next season.

Bradbury scored two of Edinburgh's seven tries in a powerhouse performance that also featured a hat-trick from Darcy Graham and an all-action display from Hamish Watson that conjured up memories of the flanker at his Test match best.

"That's what happens when you get it right," said Bradbury, who is in fine form having fallen out of the international picture in recent times.

Bradbury's inconsistency has held him back over the years, something he's at a loss to explain now that he's firing on all cylinders.

"Mate, if I could tell you what it was, I'd answer a lot of questions for coaches. I'm playing well now because I'm just enjoying my rugby.

"I'm enjoying being back here at Edinburgh. I'm enjoying coming to work each day. I wake up in the morning, and I can't wait to come and see the boys. I can't wait to come and improve. We talk about, it's a cliche and I hate to say it, but that 1% better every day."

The back-row praised the veteran Watson for his outstanding finish to the season.

"He's always been quality in my eyes," Bradbury added. "I think there's a bit of a stereotype around, once you reach a certain age. You're rubbish, essentially. I think that's unfair in this day and age.

"There's a lot of top-flight rugby players that are over 30 still playing brilliant rugby. And I think Mish is an example of that. With Mish you know what you're getting each week.

"I love playing with these guys. That's a big reason I came back. I love playing with Mish. I love playing with Jamie [Ritchie]. I love playing with [Ben] Muncaster."

After Glasgow's narrow defeat by Leinster confirmed a fourth-place finish, the URC released the play-off quarter-final fixtures.

The Warriors host the Stormers at Scotstoun on Friday 30 May, with kick-off at 19:35 BST.

Meanwhile Edinburgh also face South African opposition but have to travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls the on Saturday 31 May, with that match kicking off at 12:30 BST.

Glasgow fans, are you confident of beating the Stormers at home for the second season in a row at this stage?

Edinburgh fans, how do you rate your chances of winning at altitude against the Bulls, in their formidable Loftus Versfeld Stadium?

Share your views.

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith was pleased with his players' performance in Dublin despite a 13-5 defeat.

"We're disappointed with the result definitely but with the effort I'm super proud," he told Premier Sports.

"I'm really proud with the way we've gone about our business today and I thought we could have won this one."

On Sione Tuipulotu's half-time substitution: "It's his first game back, we always intended to play him for just about a half anyway.

"He had a little bit of tightness around the legs, nothing serious. We just decided to make the call at half-time."

On a quarter-final against the Stormers: "We know that they'll come to Scotstoun having missed out there last year so a big couple of weeks ahead for us.

"Looking forward to a last game at home."

Edinburgh fans, were you at Hive Stadium to watch your team secure their URC play-off spot or were you following along from home?

Either way, we want your thoughts on the result and performance.

Have your say here.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer at Hive Stadium

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After Edinburgh stormed into the URC knockouts with a seven-try win over Ulster, head coach Sean Everitt says his team "on any given day can beat anyone,"

Edinburgh needed a bonus-point win against Ulster on Friday night and they secured it with aplomb. They won't know their last-eight opponents until the final set of fixtures are played on Saturday, but Everitt hailed his players for their courage and their class.

"It's well deserved after the performances we've put in at home over the last three weeks," said the South African.

"We got the result against the Bulls, then we didn't get the result against the Sharks and probably blew that one in the 79th minute. And then also a really brave performance against Bath. I was happy with those performances, but you don't get the results.

"The guys have had enough practice of knockout rugby over the last nine weeks because every game has been like that. So, they handled the pressure well."

Darcy Graham scored a hat-trick, Magnus Bradbury got a double with Pierre Schoeman and Ewan Ashman contributing one each in what turned out to be a rout.

It was a victory that also guaranteed Edinburgh's place at the top table of European competition next season. They have now qualified for the Champions Cup after missing out in recent seasons.

Edinburgh's focus and hard edge was something Everitt spoke about in the aftermath.

"It's something that we worked on," he said. "We want to put relentless pressure on the opposition, whether we have got the ball or whether we don't have the ball.

"We did really well in that department. So, I'm just happy how it's all come together. I'm happy for the team. We're doing a lot of good things behind the scenes, which obviously people out there won't know.

"We're growing our culture and we've got a happy environment. And you can see how the players have performed over the last few weeks."

Who would Everitt like in the last eight? It looks likely to be either a trip to South Africa or a trip to Dublin to face Leinster.

"It's a difficult one because there's a lot of travel involved if you go to South Africa.

"If you look at the performances that we put in against Leinster at home in round one, that was a really good performance and we're probably unlucky not to win that one. The way we're playing, the guys are going to play for each other."

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Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu will make his return from injury when Glasgow finish their regular league season against Leinster on Saturday.

Tuipulotu, 28, missed the entire Six Nations campaign with a pectoral injury, but was named in Andy Farrell's Lions squad to tour Australia earlier this month and is back in time for the URC play-offs.

He is one of five changes to the backline that started last week's defeat by Benetton.

Ben Afshar and Adam Hastings form the half-back pairing, Sebastian Cancelliere is preferred to Jamie Dobie on the wing and Kyle Rowe replaces Ollie Smith at full-back.

The forward pack is also shuffled. Scotland Under-20 hooker Seb Stephen will make his Warriors debut, while fellow academy product Jare Oguntibeju comes into the second row.

Macenzzie Duncan is selected at blindside flanker for his first start and Euan Ferrie replaces Sione Vailanu at number eight.

"Leinster's strength in depth is well-known across Europe, and we know that they will pose a tough test with a vocal home crowd behind them," head coach Franco Smith said.

"Our medical and strength and conditioning teams have been working closely with Sione over the last few weeks in order to put him in the best possible position, and his enthusiasm for his return to action has been infectious.

"Each man has earned their opportunity to start this weekend and we know that they will all give everything for this team."

Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Cancelliere, Jones, Tuipulotu, Steyn, Hastings, Afshar; Bhatti, Stephen, Richardson, Oguntibeju, Samuel, Duncan, Darge, Ferrie.

Replacements: Hiddleston, McBeth, Walker, Du Preez, Cummings, McDowall, Horne, Jordan.

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

Callum asked: Based on the last few results are Warriors losing steam in the URC ahead of the play-offs? Can they put up a good performance v Leinster at the Aviva this weekend?

Tom answered: Losing steam? Definitely. A similar thing happened to them at the end of last season, but the difference between now and then is their injury list. Not only is it long, it includes some serious hitters, some of whom will not play again in the URC this season.

The Benetton performance last week was lamentable on every conceivable front. Even if they don't win in Dublin they're going to have to find something that gives them some momentum for the knockouts.

They'll have one or two of the heavy hitters back by then. But it's all looking pretty fraught. The confusion over Franco Smith's future doesn't help either. I think he's handled that poorly.

Hopey asked: Given Glasgow's poor form, I think the expectations for the play-offs would be to win the quarter-final and lose the semi. Optimistic maybe, but looking ahead to next year do Glasgow have the grunt up front to do the same thing again?

Tom answered: When they have a fairly clean bill of health there's not a whole lot wrong with Glasgow's grunt. The Fagerson brothers, Rory Sutherland, Scott Cummings, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, Alex Samuel, Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge - those guys are very, very aggressive players.

They'll miss Henco Venter and Jack Mann but Alex Craig is coming in. He's not a beast, but he's a terrific carrier and will be a real asset. Against most opponents, they won't lack grunt.

They need to resolve the Franco Smith confusion and they need a bit of luck with injuries. They've lost their edge and their belief in recent weeks but they're missing a lot of senior players. It's catching up with them now.

Neil asked: What's your view on Darcy Graham's omission from the Lions squad in favour of Mack Hansen's inclusion?

Tom answered: In Hansen, Andy Farrell has gone with somebody he knows and trusts. He's a very intelligent player and a Grand Slam winner.

I have two issues with that decision. Firstly, Hansen hasn't played since 12 April and is still injured. Secondly, and more importantly, Graham is in brilliant form, has way more pace and X-factor than Hansen and is fit as a fiddle.

I feel for Graham. I think he deserved to go and he'd have been a revelation, I'm sure.

Gavin asked: I'm a huge Matt Fagerson fan. While unlikely, I'd have been interested to hear how close he was to Lions selection if he was fit, but also do you agree he brings so much to every team he plays in, and is very much being missed by Glasgow at the moment?

Tom answered: If he was fit and firing like he can then I don't think he'd have been too far away at all. The fact is he's injured and he's probably not been at his brilliant best this season. Not far off it, but he can play better.

For me, his aggression and dog typifies Glasgow at their very best. He was immense on the road to URC glory last season. He'll be immense again.

David asked: Considering the number of injuries Glasgow have suffered this season is it time to cut back on summer international tours? International matches should be the icing on the cake of rugby. Now they seem to be the bread and butter.

Tom answered: There are too many Tests but it's a plaintive cry at this stage. Test matches generate the revenue that keeps the club game going, so if anything we're going to have more of them and not fewer.

Next season we have the new Nations Cup happening for the first time - a likely money-spinner for each union involved.

Some/many of these unions are living a very tight existence and Test rugby is the only thing that's keeping them from financial implosion.

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Versatile back Charlie Savala will sign for Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season when his contract with Northampton Saints expires.

The former Edinburgh man is qualified to play for Scotland through his father and was previously called into the national team squad before the 2023 Six Nations.

With Tom Jordan leaving Scotstoun this summer, Savala, 25, has been signed to bolster the Warriors' options at fly-half, while also being able to play in the centres and at full-back.

Savala left Edinburgh in 2023 and believes his experience playing in England has helped him to improve as a player.

"I'm really excited to make the move to Glasgow," Savala said.

"I've enjoyed the last couple of seasons down at Northampton as part of a really competitive group and I feel like I've developed a lot, and having seen the success of Glasgow from afar, it looks like another group that I cannot wait to be a part of.

"Glasgow have always been a team that like to attack, no matter when the opportunity arises, and that's a philosophy that really excites me and aligns with how I like to play the game. I pride myself on being able to fill whatever role the team requires of me and I want to do my bit to help this team succeed."

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Edinburgh have made two changes to their side for Friday's must-win URC clash against Ulster.

James Lang and Harry Paterson both come into the back line, with Mosese Tuipulotu out with a knee injury and Jack Brown missing out on the squad.

Sean Everitt's side must win to have any chance of finishing the regular league season in the top eight and securing a play-off spot.

Edinburgh: Goosen, Graham, Currie, Lang, Paterson, Thompson, Price; Shoeman, Ashman, Rae, Sykes, Skinner, Munaster, Watson, Bradbury.

Replacements: Harrison, Venter, Sebastian, Young, Ritchie, Shiel, Healy, Bennett.

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Argentina star Emiliano Boffelli is one of 12 players who will depart Edinburgh at the end of the season.

Boffelli has made just one appearance in an injury-hit campaign and will move on this summer.

Scotland internationals Jamie Ritchie, who has agreed to join Perpignan, Dave Cherry and Ali Price are the other high-profile departures.

On Tuesday, Matt Scott announced he will retire this summer, while Edinburgh say the next club destination for Scotland caps Mark Bennett and Javan Sebastian are "yet to be confirmed".

"As the season nears its end, we bid farewell to a group of players who have each contributed significantly to Edinburgh Rugby," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude for their unwavering efforts, their commitment to the jersey and the passion they've shown for this club and our supporters.

"Every player who departs does so with our best wishes for their future endeavours, both on and off the field."

Edinburgh leavers in full: Jamie Ritchie, Mark Bennett, Dave Cherry, Matt Scott, Jamie Hodgson, Ali Price, Emiliano Boffelli, Robin Hislop, Javan Sebastian, Jake Henry, Nathan Sweeney and Jack Hocking.