Scottish Rugby

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Boan Venter and Ewan Ashman are the only two changes to the Edinburgh side that saw off the Lions as they prepare to host fellow South African side the Bulls at Hive Stadium in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Venter replaces Scotland veteran and British & Irish Lions candidate Pierre Schoeman at loosehead prop, while Ashman comes in for the departing Dave Cherry, whose move to Top 14 side Vannes was confirmed this week.

On the bench, head coach Sean Everitt is boosted by the return of tighthead prop D'Arcy Rae, recent Scotland cap Ben Muncaster, and centre Mosese Tuipulotu.

The other change in the replacements is in the lock department where Rob Carmichael replaces Glen Young, with the 22-year-old potentially making just his third senior appearance.

The return of Muncaster means there is no place for young dynamo Freddy Douglas, while Duhan van der Merwe remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Regulars Mark Bennett, Emiliano Boffellli, Luke Crosbie, Paul Hill, and Marshall Sykes continue their injury recoveries.

Edinburgh: Goosen, Graham, Currie, Lang, McCann; Thompson, Vellacott (cc); Venter, Ashman, Sebastian, Skinner, Gilchrist (cc), Ritchie, Watson, Bradbury.

Replacements: Cherry, Schoeman, Rae, Carmichael, Muncaster, Price, Scott, Tuipulotu.

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith insists Glasgow won't be "star struck" when they face Leinster in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup on Friday.

It is Glasgow's first visit to the Aviva Stadium since their Challenge Cup final defeat by Toulon in 2023 and Smith says his players have grown both "physically" and "mentally" since that loss.

He also revealed it is a match they have spoken about on multiple occasions since, in which time they have become United Rugby Championship winners.

"Over the past year, 18 months it has been a point of reference - we often spoke about that," Smith said.

"I think these guys have grown mentally as well as physically, so I believe we have gone past that. The people most surprised to see us in the final two years ago was ourselves.

"We've moved on from there, so I'm confident we will be able to play our game and won't be star struck."

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Edinburgh have announced that backs Ben Healy, Cammy Scott and Ross Thompson have all agreed new contracts with the club.

Scotland international Healy has signed a one-year extension, while fellow Scotland cap Thompson has extended his deal by two years.

"Ben has been a fantastic addition to the squad since joining in 2023," head coach Sean Everitt said. "He's still a young player with a lot of potential and we believe there's much more to come from him.

"This extension solidifies our squad. Ben's presence and progress are integral to our success, and we're thrilled he'll be part of our journey for another year."

On Thompson, Everitt added: "His impact since joining the club has been significant, and it's been great to see him grow in confidence throughout the season. He's a smart player with a great kicking game and excellent distribution.

"It's brilliant to see Edinburgh-born lads leading the team, and Ross embodies the passion and commitment we want to see."

Scott, 23, has also signed for two further years having featured more regularly in the first team this season.

"Cammy is a player with a bright future and we're excited to see him continue to develop within our environment," Everitt said.

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Glasgow Warriors have made three changes for their Champions Cup quarter-final clash away to Leinster on Friday.

All three tweaks from the last-16 victory over Leicester Tigers come in the forward pack.

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson misses out with concussion and is replaced by Sam Talakai, while Alex Samuel is preferred to JP du Preez in the second row.

Henco Venter is suspended and so there's a reshuffle in the back row. Rory Darge comes into the team at openside flanker, with Sione Vailanu switching to number eight.

Max Williamson could make his long-awaited return from injury off the bench.

"Leinster are a quality outfit," head coach Franco Smith said. "They've come very close to winning this competition several years in a row and we know how much it means to them and how motivated they are going to be on Friday night.

"They have a team full of internationals and have only lost one competitive match this season, so we're aware of the challenge and excited to play against one of the best club sides in the world.

"We have prepared well and are focused on the opportunity to make our own history and will need to be the best version of ourselves to do that."

Glasgow Warriors XV to face Leinster: Rowe, Dobie, McDowall, Jordan, Steyn, Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Matthews, Talakai, Brown, Samuel, M Fagerson, Darge, Vailanu.

Replacements: Stewart, Bhatti, Schickerling, Du Preez, Williamson, Ferrie, Afshar, Cancelliere.

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Ireland will take on Scotland and Canada in Tests in early August as part of their preparations for the Women's World Cup which will begin later that month.

Scott Bemand's Ireland side will face Scotland in the opening World Cup warm-up game at Virgin Media Park in Cork on 2 August before a contest against Canada at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on 9 August.

Canada, who defeated Ireland at last autumn's WXV 1 tournament in Vancouver a week after the Irish had shocked world champions New Zealand, are second in World Rugby's rankings behind England.

Ireland will open their World Cup campaign by facing Japan in Northampton on 24 August before further group games against Spain and New Zealand on 31 August and 7 September.

Bemand's Ireland squad will link up in June to begin an extended training stint.

"We are delighted to confirm our two warm-up fixtures against quality opposition in the build up to Women's Rugby World Cup," said the Ireland head coach.

"Our pre-season block that will run throughout June and July in Dublin will be designed to test and prepare the extended squad, ensuring we are in the best possible shape for the tournament ahead and getting the opportunity for valuable match minutes and exposure is vitally important."

Scotland winger Darcy Graham admits the squad "probably underachieved" at this year's Six Nations as he reflects on the "fine margins" where the side fell short.

The main sore spot for Graham was their narrow defeat against England.

Finn Russell missed a 79th-minute conversion, and Scotland's Calcutta Cup winning streak ended at Allianz Stadium.

Speaking to the Scotland Rugby Podcast, Graham opens up on the squad's mood after the tournament and shares his thoughts on their fourth-place finish

"Looking back at it, it's so hard because one kick in that England game sets us up going to France to go for the championship," he said.

"And it just shows you how close it is nowadays and the fine margins, they're so fine.

"That one kick, that's all it was, and that's taken us from going for the championship to fourth.

"It's just, anyone can beat anybody now and that's why the competition is so supported and so hard to win.

"The boys are frustrated. We were really confident going into it, and I do think we've probably underachieved as players.

"We want more, we want to go out there and perform more and win those close games. Yeah, that's why the Six Nations is so big."

On this week's episode you can also hear from Warriors' hooker Johnny Matthews ahead of them facing Leinster in the Champions Cup.

BBC Scotland's Andy Burke is also joined by former Scotland captain Lisa Martin to discuss why Scotland's women are performing well in the Women's Six Nations ahead of their match with Italy this coming weekend.

BBC Scotland rugby reporter Andy Burke has been answering some of your questions.

Barry asked: My question is do you agree that there is a complete lack of respect for Scottish rugby around the rugby world?

Andy answered: I'm not sure it's a lack of respect for Scottish rugby rather than a probably outdated assumption about English rugby, the strength of the Premiership and where English clubs sit in the European order.

The last five years have seen the big guns in France and Ireland dominate the Champions Cup. You have to go back to the Saracens era to find an English club that was considered a true European powerhouse, and even then Sarries were subsequently found to have breached salary cap rules.

Whenever I hear pundits speaking about Glasgow Warriors in particular, though, it's normally in very respectful terms. Most of the comments I saw online from Leicester fans were, while bemoaning their own side's shortcomings, accepting they were simply put away by a superior team.

Leinster are overwhelming favourites when they meet Glasgow in Dublin on Friday night, but I think that would be the case right now no matter which team they were up against, save for maybe Toulouse or Bordeaux.

They look unstoppable, but Warriors have been written off before and delivered something special. If they were to do it at the Aviva Stadium and book a place in the Champions Cup semi-finals, it would be one of the greatest results in their history.

Doug asked: There's no excusing an eye gouge, however, how can the instigator go unpunished? Dan Cole has held Henco Venter around the neck on the floor, and Henco reaches out to force his release and looks to have hit Cole's eyes. If proven, unfortunately, a severe ban will be issued, but what of Dan Cole and the position he put Henco in?

Andy answered: We now know that Henco Venter has received a six-week ban for making contact with the eye area of Dan Cole.

It's a huge blow for Glasgow to be without a player who has been in such great form and delivered a man-of-the-match display against Leinster.

I don't think Venter can have too many complaints, though. As soon as you go near the eye area of an opponent – intentionally or not - you are asking for trouble. The player himself admitted in his hearing that his actions were worthy of a red card.

I agree Cole's actions should have been investigated. He looked to have Venter in a headlock, which led to the Glasgow man's reaction – not that that excuses Venter's action.

Eye-gouging is something that needs to be stamped out of the game completely. We are still seeing it too often and offenders need to be punished harshly. Then again, so do those deploying headlocks at the bottom of rucks.

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Scotland's Dylan Richardson says head coach Sean Everitt played a "significant role" in ensuring he would sign for Edinburgh this summer.

The versatile forward, 26, will join from Hollywoodbets Sharks on a two-year deal.

Richardson, who can play at hooker and as a loose forward, made his Sharks debut in 2019 and has earned six Scotland caps to date.

On joining Edinburgh, Richardson said: "I'm incredibly excited for this next chapter in my career. Moving to Scotland and joining a club with such a strong history and passionate support base is a massive opportunity."

Head coach Everitt guided the South African-born forward through the early years of his career at Kings Park Stadium.

On Everitt's influence, Richardson said: "He has played a significant role in my development as a player, and having the chance to work under his leadership again is something I'm really looking forward to.

"His belief in my abilities and his vision for the team made the decision to join Edinburgh an easy one. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and as a person, and I'm excited to be part of what he's building at the club."

And Edinburgh boss Everitt added: "We're thrilled to welcome a player of Dylan's quality to Edinburgh. He's a strong and dynamic player who brings plenty of experience.

"His versatility, being able to play both hooker and in the back row, will be a real asset for us."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Franco Smith says his Glasgow Warriors side must travel to Dublin with absolute belief they can pull off a huge upset against Leinster in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup.

Warriors swept aside Leicester Tigers at Scotstoun to book their place in the last eight, while the Irish side underlined their credentials as one of the tournament favourites with a ruthless 10-try destruction of Harlequins at Aviva Stadium.

Smith concedes Glasgow will go in as big underdogs but believes the URC champions can spring a shock.

"Leinster are top of the log in the URC, they've got a squad with huge depth," Smith told BBC Scotland.

"They are probably the most talked about team in world rugby at the moment, so it will be probably the toughest task we've had in a very long time.

"Of course you must go there with a mindset that you can achieve on the day. Looking forward to a big challenge, but they are definitely the favourites."

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Assistant coach Nigel Carolan is demanding to see the best version of Glasgow Warriors in Friday's Champions Cup quarter-final.

Glasgow overcame Leicester with a 43-19 victory to set up Friday's last-eight tie against a Leinster side who thrashed Harlequins 62-0 in their previous match.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for us," Carolan said of the quarter-final.

"If we can just get the best version of our game on the pitch, I think we can ask questions of any team. I think the confidence is there in the group. The belief is definitely there.

"I think they're characteristics that are extremely powerful. When you put that with a skillset and that ability to be brave and how we try and play, it's a dangerous combination if it clicks.

"Leinster are going to bring this rushed defence where teams get bothered by it. Teams get a little bit flustered. I think it's really important we stay calm and composed."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Wes Goosen appreciation society.

The winger turned fullback earned his 50th cap against Lions at the weekend in some style.

He scored the opening try, one that will definitely be a contender for try of the season, and his contribution for the second, finished by Ben Vellacott, was crucial and the footwork worthy of a place on the next season of Strictly.

And that was all in the first 10 minutes. He continued in that vein, making breaks, beating defenders, catching high balls, linking up with Darcy Graham and Ross McCann and just generally making a nuisance of himself to Lions' detriment.

If you'd predicted such a display from this player back in the 2022-2023 season, I'd have laughed in your face. I recall asking a friend who lived in New Zealand what kind of player we had acquired when his transfer was announced and was told we had got a gem. His highlights reel gave the same message. But in that first season, punctuated by injury, we saw none of that.

On Friday night you could see what it meant to him to completely obliterate that memory, continue his 100% playing record this season and earn yet another player of the match award.

He was the spark that lit the team and led Edinburgh to somewhat redress the loss in October.

It wasn't perfect, we should have had at least two more tries if different decisions had been made and the principles of knockout rugby may just have escaped the team when we failed to take an easy three points in the wake of the break by Javan Sebastian which would have given us a three score lead at HT. However I'm indulging in hindsight and nit-picking when all that matters is the win.

A quarter-final against Bulls awaits. We have a 100% win record against them at the Hive and if the same attitude and application is applied this weekend I'm confident we can take a place in the semi final.

The place of course being at the Hive. If everyone is fit, same team again.

Grant Young
Fan writer

A rampant Glasgow booked their place in the quarter-finals of this season's Champions Cup.

The defending URC champs went full gas as they rounded off 42-19 victory. Leicester may have scored first but after that it was all Glasgow, who took advantage of Leicester's poor discipline to score their first two scores.

The Warriors dominated throughout and largely kept the Tigers rooted inside their own half. If Glasgow had been more clinical in the final 10 metres the score could have been more.

The back row for Glasgow really stood up to be counted. Two tries apiece for Sione Valianu and Henco Venter in which both players got themselves around the park.

It does look however that Venter could be missing a few games. The South African looks to be cited for a similar eye gouge that Stafford McDowall was earlier in the season. Potentially the only negative thing to come from a brilliant game.

Glasgow were free flowing throughout with quick play from George Horne and Adam Hastings who were able to unlock a struggling Leicester defence. Leicester did score two late tries before Glasgow answered back to put the game away.

Champions Cup just brings a different more intense atmosphere than a URC game, a Scotland vs England match-up and the noise inside Scotstoun was phenomenal. How Glasgow could do with their own enhanced stadium!

Champions Cup quarter-final awaits. Is it the match up we probably least wanted? A trip on Friday evening across the sea to play Leinster in Dublin. Themselves on Saturday completely destroyed Harlequins. The score 62-0 looked and felt as comfortable as it was.

A team littered with Irish internationals and world class players in Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman, they really do have a world class squad. There is zero pressure on Glasgow and the Warriors squad will travel brimming with confidence.

Will there be any returnees to play for Franco Smith? Players like Hugh Jones or even Scott Cummings at second row? We will just need to wait and see.

A big moment for Glasgow as they have the potential to reach the final four in the Champions Cup for the first time.

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Henco Venter is a doubt for Glasgow Warriors' Champions Cup quarter-final at Leinster on Friday after being cited for alleged eye-gouging against Leicester Tigers.

The experienced South African loose forward scored two tries in the 43-19 win over Leicester at Scotstoun on Saturday in a player-of-the-match display.

The complaint suggests Venter made the illegal contact with Dan Cole in the second minute of the match just before the visitors scored the opening try.

No action was taken at the time.

Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan called Venter "a gentleman", insisting "whatever happened was an accident".

On the prospect of losing a key player for such an important game in Dublin, Carolan added: "It would be unfortunate because he's such a good-natured person. It's not in his intention to hurt anyone or to cause harm, especially with all the cameras that are around. It's kind of silly, but it was just unfortunate and something that we'll just have to deal with."

As usual on a Monday, we're giving you the chance to put your burning questions about the game to our rugby reporter Andy Burke.

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

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Goose cuts loose

With a number of Edinburgh's key players unavailable in recent times, either due to injury or international duties with Scotland, Wes Goosen has become one of the most important players in the team.

He was voted the club's players' player of the year last season, a testament to his consistently high level of performance.

His conversion from wing to full-back has been impressive. Against Lions on his 50th Edinburgh appearance, he set the tone with an early try and looked dangerous every time he got his hands on ball.

Having signed a new deal with the club, Goosen will qualify to play for Scotland on residency grounds in 2027. While there may be dismay in some quarters at the prospect of yet another non-Scottish player coming into the fold, if Goosen maintains this form he will be very hard for the national selectors to ignore.

Vellacott brings the tempo

Edinburgh brought a tempo in the first half Lions could not live with and much of that can be traced back to the work of Ben Vellacott.

The scrum-half was buzzing around everywhere, getting the ball away from the breakdown quickly to maintain the attacking momentum.

He was quick to spot a gap to dart through for his try and was at the heart of most of Edinburgh's best stuff.

Vellacott has never managed to convince Gregor Townsend he is worthy of competing for the Scotland nine jersey, but he has rarely let Edinburgh down.

Freddy ready for more game time

Freddy Douglas is the most exciting talent in Scottish rugby and it's time to take off the L plates and let him motor.

He did not get a huge amount of time to do his thing against Lions, but his very first involvement was a crucial turnover just when the South African side looked like they might be about to work their way back into the game.

Sean Everitt identified Douglas' maturity in identifying which rucks to compete at and which to leave well alone, and that turnover was a perfect example.

The back-row enjoyed a terrific U20 Six Nations and, having made his full Test debut in the autumn, now is the time for Everitt to throw him in to start some matches.

Douglas is going to be a key player for club and country for years and more exposure to top level rugby can only accelerate his development.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Venter the man for the big occasion

Henco Venter has been the bedrock of Glasgow Warriors' success in recent times.

The big number eight was immense against Leicester, his two tries merely the cherry on top of a phenomenal all round, man of the match display.

Speaking to the South African after the match, it was clear what a wrench it is for him to be leaving Glasgow at the end of the season to join Brive.

He wants to go out with a bang, speaking about winning both the URC and Champions Cup before he exits. His winner's mentality and leadership will be missed.

Venter arrived as a journeyman whose signing was questioned by many. No matter how the remainder of his final season pans out, he will depart Scotstoun as a hero.

Vailanu brings the power

Sione Vailanu is a big weapon in the Glasgow back-row. The problem has been keeping him fit long enough to properly make his mark.

He showed against Leicester what he brings to the party. His ball-carrying was outstanding, blasting over the gain-line time and again to get Warriors on the front foot.

The Tongan's two tries either side of half-time were crucial in shaking off a Tigers side who were desperately trying to stay in the fight.

With Jack Dempsey facing a race against time to recover from injury to play any further part this season, Vailanu could have a big role to play in what could be an exciting finale to Warriors campaign.

Hastings getting back to his best

After such a horrendous time with injuries, it's so good to see Adam Hastings healthy and starting to get back to something approaching top form.

You could see the Scotland fly-half growing in confidence as the game progressed, taking the ball a little flatter to the line each time and getting more zip into his passes.

His goalkicking was near flawless, nailing six from seven attempts, and the one he missed from out wide into the wind was desperately unlucky to drop just short.

With Tom Jordan departing at the end of the season for Bristol, Hastings is going to be a key player for Glasgow moving forward. It's encouraging to see him getting back to the level we know he can operate at.

We asked for your views on Glasgow and Edinburgh's weekend action.

Here's what some of you had to say:

GLASGOW WARRIORS

Anthony: Another good performance by Warriors, keeping the penalty count relatively low. Leicester got on the wrong side of the referee early on and gave away far too many penalties. Pleasantly surprised to see Warriors dominate the scrums, against an experienced Leicester pack. Some of the interplay and ball handling between forwards and backs was a joy to watch. Warriors will have to ramp up their performance a few more notches, to lay a glove on Leinster next weekend. They also need to be a bit more pragmatic at times and take the three points from penalties, to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Kenny: Gregor Brown is getting better each game. Always breaking the gain line. Zander Fagerson had a masterclass in the front row of the scrum. Hastings could have got his deck chair out. Easy ride at 10 just sending players through gaps. TJ class act as always. Next week is a tall order but we have got to beat them sometime.

Stuart: Very brave display from the Warriors. Huge credit to the lads. Du Preez, Vilanu and Venter had outstanding games with Venter deserving player of the match. Need to cut out errors and manage mauling and line outs better against Leinster next week for a result.

EDINBURGH

Hopey: Felt this was the most complete performance I have seen from Edinburgh recently, built on a solid defence, with Wes Goosen and Darcy Graham excellent in attack at getting in behind the Lions defence. It was a game played with tempo, which seemed to help Edinburgh as they were connected and had a flow to their game. Fingers crossed this continues, looks promising.

Mark: Edinburgh scored some great tries but all too often came away from the opponents 22 with nothing. If they want to compete at the highest level they must consistently turn territory and possession into points.

Steve: I've bashed Edinburgh plenty recently, and they probably deserved it, but that was a pretty complete performance and the type of rugby I think they have been trying to play since the start of the season. The difference was no real drop off and better game management, but credit to the Lions for coming back in to the game, and for some fantastic last-ditch tackles. Keep it up Burgh and you never know where you could end up.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Henco Venter wants to bring the curtain down on his Glasgow Warriors career by delivering a URC and Champions Cup double.

The South African number eight is leaving Scotstoun at the end of the season to join French side Brive.

Venter, 32, produced a player of the match display against Leicester, including two tries, to help his side into the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

They now head to Dublin for a showdown with Leinster, who destroyed Harlequins 62-0 to book their spot in the last eight.

The Irish side are one of the tournament favourites and will be overwhelming favourites to reach the semi-finals, but Venter says Glasgow are chasing their own Champions Cup ambitions.

"We're here to win the thing," Venter told BBC Scotland.

"I think Leinster's performance against Harlequins was next level and all kudos to them. We'll meet them next week and we'll definitely take the confidence [from beating Leicester] and be up for it.

"I'm also gutted [to be leaving]. I love this place, I love the Scots, I love Glasgow. It's just a privilege to wear this shirt every day.

"It's two cups to win for me and just to give everything for this club that's given so much to me."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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James Lang says Edinburgh need to be more ruthless as they target a run deep into the European Challenge Cup.

The capital side beat Lions 24-12 at Hive Stadium to set up a home quarter-final against South African outfit Bulls.

Edinburgh led 17-0 at the break before Lions crossed for two second-half tries and Lang says his side must learn to keep their foot on the throttle when they get on top of teams.

"I'm happy with the performance," Lang told BBC Scotland. "I think the first half was very impressive.

"We took the foot off a little bit in the second half. They came out firing, which we knew they would. It was a tough encounter against a very strong line side, but ecstatic with the win.

"I guess the growth in this team now is how we can sustain that pressure, be relentless with it and then start fast again that second half.

"I guess it's a mentality thing. I think we're on a nice run now and there's a lot of belief in the squad and we've just got to be a bit more ruthless in those situations.

"We want to win silverware, but we don't want to look too far ahead. It's next week mentality, so we've just got to focus on the positives from today, but there's a good few things we can improve on to get better as a team and take that into next week."

Glasgow fans, what did you make of your side's performance as they swept aside Leicester to reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals?

Who stood out for you and do you fancy Warriors' chances against Leinster in the last eight?

Have your say.