Scottish Rugby

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt says his returning Scotland internationals will be "raring to go" ahead of their clash against Sharks.

“It’s great to welcome back some more of our Scotland internationalists," Everitt said.

"Guys like Jamie [Ritchie] and Pierre [Schoeman] bring a lot of quality and experience to the pack, and they’ll be raring to go after getting a bit of time off after the Six Nations.

“We’ve spoken this week about remaining resilient and sticking to our game plan, while staying strong mentally when coming under pressure.

“Sharks are strong at home but we’re ready for the challenge and look forward to the opportunity of representing our city and fans while here on South African soil.”

Eve McTiernan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Off the back of a 17-13 win against Cardiff last week that felt more like a defeat, Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith says his team "must be realistic".

Smith believes the stop-start nature of the season has had an impact.

"There were lots of breaks, we played three games in six weeks which was a really stop-start affair with different players, different squads as a collective," Smith said.

"We didn't play any games in preparation [for last week] and we've got a big load of games coming or possible games coming in the next three months."

Looking ahead to their clash against 13th place Scarlets, the South African says the squad do not look at the table as a rule.

"We've got an agreement here, we don't look at the table, not if we're at the bottom of it and not if we're at the top of it. No interest in focusing on who places where.

"We need to win and if we play well and we win then that will look after itself."

The last time Glasgow travelled to Parc y Scarlets was for the Challenge Cup semi-final last season where they came out on top in the 35-17 clash.

"Look, that scoreline is not a true reflection of the game," Smith said. "I think with 12 minutes to go, it was still very tight, within one score, so we ended up scoring in the last action of the game, which does make it look a little bit like we've won with ease, but it's not true.

"We know that they are a tough team at home, specifically. We've asked more from the boys this week, we have to be better at what we do this week.

"We have the capacity and we have the drive to do that, so I'm excited for the team go out there."

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has welcomed the return of five internationals to his side.

George Horne starts ahead of Jamie Dobie as Rory Darge comes in for Matt Fagerson. Scott Cummings starts instead of Alex Samuel as Kyle Rowe is favoured over Kyle Steyn this weekend. Zander Fagerson returns as he starts ahead of Lucio Sordoni.

Glasgow Warriors: McKay, Rowe, McDowall (C), Jordan, Cancelliere, Weir, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, Miller, Darge, Venter

Replacements: Matthews, Dell, Sordoni, Manjezi, Brown, Gordon, Dobie, Munn

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Scotland internationals Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Jamie Ritchie return to the fold for Edinburgh's game against Sharks after the Six Nations.

They replace Boan Venter, Dave Cherry, Ben Muncaster and Mark Bennett.

James Lang could make his 50th cap from the bench while last week's debutant Jake Henry continues in the starting XV after his impressive performance against Stormers.

Connor Boyle is named on the bench and could make his first appearance since mid February.

Edinburgh: Goosen, Henry, Currie, Dean, Van der Merwe, Healy, Vellacott; Schoeman, Ashman, Nel, Hodgson, Skinner, Ritchie, Watson, Mata

Replacements: Cherry, Venter, Sebastian, Sykes, Boyle, Shiel, Scott, Lang

Bryan Easson has made just two changes to his side that reigned victorious over Wales last weekend. Louise McMillan gets her 50th cap as Elis Martin makes her first start.

Do you agree with his choices? Are you heading to The Hive on Saturday to support the team?

Give us your thoughts here.

Eve McTiernan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland head coach Bryan Easson is anticipating a "chaotic" match against France in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday, but says they won't be fazed by the opposition's style.

France won the fixture between the sides 55-0 last year, but Easson says Scotland have to stick to their "processes and systems" if they are to improve on that scoreline.

"They’re a physical side," he said. "They are top three in the world for a reason. They've been consistent with their performances. But they are really physical, but they're also chaotic. They play typical French, we know what to expect.

"We've trained quite a bit of chaotic stuff this week, so that we know how to expect that. But we've also got to make sure that we don't get thrown into that as well.

"We want to concentrate on our performance. So, we know what to expect from them, but we know if we stick to our processes, stick to our systems, trust the system, it'll be a tough game. France at home or playing France at any time is always tough."

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Edinburgh scrum-half Charlie Shiel has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The 26-year-old has made 61 appearances for the club in total, and is excited to continue playing for his hometown club.

Speaking to club media, the 26 year-old said, “I’m delighted to again extend terms. Edinburgh is home for me and I’m proud to pull on the jersey every time I’m called upon.

“We’ve got a brilliant group of players at this club, many of whom are my best mates, so coming to training every day and playing for a club which means so much to me is something I really enjoy.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Sean [Everitt] since he arrived last summer. He knows what he wants and expects high standards and I think the squad have fully bought into what he wants to achieve.

“It’s been great to get game time this season and I’m really enjoying the competition at nine with Ali [Price] and Ben [Vellacott], while some of the younger guys coming through are keeping us on our toes."

Head coach Sean Everitt added, "We’re really pleased to extend Charlie's time with us for another season. He’s extremely coachable and a pleasure to work with, while his playmaking abilities can be a real spark for this team.

“Charlie is just someone who wants to improve his game every day and play as hard as he can for his hometown club – and it’s guys like that we want at Edinburgh.”

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Scotland head coach Bryan Easson hailed Alex Stewart's "outstanding" debut performance against Wales last weekend, and says the young flanker dealt with the occasion maturely.

Stewart was sin-binned late on in Cardiff, but Easson says they don't view that negatively, and the 19-year-old is once again named to start against France on Saturday.

"Alex coming in was great," Easson said. "She showed exactly what you can do in your first cap. I thought she was outstanding. Just to see these youngsters coming through, it's a real positive time for us in Scotland.

"It’s the first time she's ever been yellow carded. She highlighted that herself, and we certainly didn't look at that as a negative. I thought her performance from start to finish was excellent.

"She brought energy, the detail that she put into her game, she understood exactly how we were trying to play, and she was really energetic all the way through the week as well.

"She didn't show too many nerves last week, it was really impressive. I'm sure she had a few, but she didn't show it."

We asked for your thoughts after Scotland and Edinburgh prop WP Nel announced he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Jamie: A great player and a better man. A fantastic servant to both club and country. I wish him all the best in what life has to offer next.

Alan: What an inspiration to young front-row forwards. He is as tough as old boots and just got on with the job. He has also improved the quality of front-row forwards in Scotland. It's a well-earned retirement. I hope he still contributes in a coaching sense.

Anon: A true warrior who never gave anything but his all for the team. The quiet focus before every scrum was a joy to watch. Your adopted home salutes you.

Fraser: I've said this elsewhere over the years, but Scotland have been blessed to have WP playing for us. I am truly thankful for his huge contribution to Scottish rugby, the team and the positive influence he has clearly had on our culture. I hope he and his family remain in Scotland, but if he is heading back to South Africa, I'd remind him his kids are all Scots!

Norm: Nel took many by surprise. Part of Scotland's support thought, cynically, that he was some sort of mercenary. But he proved them wrong by embracing Scotland as his home and wearing the thistle with real pride. Speaking personally, that really endeared him to me. A great scrummager and runner with the ball, he was a joy to watch. I’ll miss him.

Peter: A huge loss for Scotland and Edinburgh. I shudder to think what our scrum would have been like without him. Tighthead has always been a bit of a problem and he arrived at the right time. Thanks for everything WP and enjoy your retirement.

Hugo: One of the strongest props, and it was always good to see opposition props lose their shape when up against him. He was instrumental in making Scotland’s scrum a solid platform that allowed the side to flourish from a mediocre team to one that consistently beat England and competed well against the best teams in the world.

Ali: Great props are a rare breed. Nel finds himself in this category for his tireless commitment and quiet efficiency on the pitch. If you know rugby, you’ll know that he has been invaluable.

James: WP has been a class act, a great servant to Scotland's national team, in an area where Scotland are short of players. Our very best wishes go with him and his family for a job very well done. I will be looking out for what he does next.

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Scotland and Edinburgh prop WP Nel says he wouldn't change a thing after he announced his decision to retire at the end of this season.

The 37-year-old signed for Edinburgh in 2012, and has made 200 appearances for the capital club, while also earning 61 Scotland caps.

"I had to think what the future looked like," Nel said. "This season I have struggled a bit with my neck and the body is not there any more with recovery, so it felt right to call it a day.

"It's been funny to think back when we arrived. [It was my] second time out of South Africa, I didn't know what to expect, and 12 years later, it's been amazing.

"There is nothing I would do different. To make 200 appearances for Edinburgh, it's been a dream come true. To sit here and say I've achieved what I've achieved is amazing.

"The support is amazing every week and at the end of the day I can just say thank you [to the supporters]."

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Scotland winger Coreen Grant says the prospect of playing in front of a raucous home crowd is "hugely exciting", as Bryan Easson's side prepare to host France in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday.

The record home crowd for a Scotland women's match is 4,862, set during last year's Six Nations win over Ireland, and the total could be surpassed this weekend.

“We are hugely excited," Grant said. "It's a brilliant opportunity for us especially at home in front of those crowds that just keep getting bigger and bigger.

"That support behind us is just immense and it means a lot to us. You can hear it out there on the pitch.

“It’s a really good opportunity for us against one of the best teams in the world to see what level we are at.”

Grant scored Scotland's first try during last week's win away in Cardiff, but she was quick to credit the work of her team-mates in the build-up to the score.

“It’s the best feeling. It's fantastic. You always want to go out there and do your best for your country. Scoring tries as a winger is the dream but I can’t speak highly enough of my teammates out there.

“If you look at the phases before, everyone knew their job and what they had to do. They just put me in the good spaces.”

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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After opening with a hard-fought win over Wales, Scotland have the opportunity to finish as the best of the rest in this Six Nations campaign.

With England and France expected to run away at the top of the standings once again, the race for third will be fierce between the Scots, Wales, Italy, and Ireland.

Whoever seals that spot will qualify for the World Cup in England next year, and former Scotland forward Heather Lockhart believes winning just their second away game ever in the Six Nations shows the progress of the side.

Scotland have France and England at home before finishing with trips to Italy and Ireland.

"I think it's interesting you talk about playing Italy and Ireland away. But the WXV2 [tournament] was away, and I think that's massive," Lockhart told the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"This is going to be the first time they've played at home since Spain, and then in the Six Nations against Ireland last year, so it is a massive opportunity to play at home this weekend [against France], but I don't think playing away fazes Scotland as much as it once did.

"I think that opportunity to win a trophy, to go to South Africa and to grind out three really great wins against good opposition is really going to stand them in good stead.

"I think going to Parma and the Kingspan, for the Ireland match, they've been there before, and I don't think that's anything that's going to stand in their minds. It's all to play for."

Scotland scrum-half Jenny Maxwell and former Scotland prop Heather Lockhart join Thomas Duncan to look ahead to Scotland's game against France, after they beat Wales in the Women's Six Nations last weekend.

You can listen to the full episode here.

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Scotland's win away in Cardiff to start the Women's Six Nations showed a "maturity" and just how far they have grown as a team, according to assistant coach Tyrone Holmes.

The women's set-up went professional in 2022, and have won their last seven matches - a record-breaking run stretching back to last year's Six Nations.

“I think there has been a definite learning in the group and a maturity where games like those in the past, maybe two or three years ago we would almost expect to lose," former Scotland international Holmes said.

“[What] the group has gone through in the last two or three years with a bit of strife and a bit of struggle has bonded them together as a group. I think that is definitely helping us through the last games.

"We are doing well but there is a huge amount of improvement [to come]. It’s a hugely positive picture for Scotland Women's rugby for now and the future.”

Scotland host France on Saturday in the second round of the competition, having lost their last meeting 55-0, but Holmes says Scotland could spring a shock if they play to their potential.

“The focus has to be on our execution. That will be our focus. France are a really good outlet and if you let them play the way they like to play they are very difficult to stop.

“The plan will obviously be to try and nullify that but the opportunity is out there; I think if we are clinical and execute our plan to the best of our ability then we can go out on Saturday, have fun and see what happens.”

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Pete Murchie says Glasgow Warriors are determined to continue improving as the URC season approaches the final stretch.

Glasgow sit third in the league table, having won nine of their 12 games, and Murchie insists they can sustain their title challenge.

"We have given ourselves the opportunity to go in and challenge at the top of the table but there is still a large chunk of games left to play," the assistant coach said.

"We are trying to chase down the finish as hard as we can. We have put ourselves in a position where we can still be looking up the way and that’s our mindset.

"We want to produce a better version of ourselves and we know we’re capable of that."

The Warriors battled to a hard-fought victory over Cardiff last time out, and Murchie says it was pleasing to get the win despite not reaching their best levels.

"We are pleased to come back and get the victory," he said. "Ultimately we probably had enough chances to get the bonus point but we probably didn’t deserve to with what Cardiff put into it.

"We weren’t quite at our level, we weren’t quite where we needed to be. We were happy to pick up the victory in the end given where we were at half-time."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

You may be expecting this column to eviscerate Edinburgh following our game against Stormers. However, I have to pay tribute to our opposition who were simply ruthless.

Just to pick two stats. Stormers ran for 533 metres. That’s more than twice the distance Edinburgh did. They also made 21 offloads, which is almost identical to the number that Sean Everitt's side have managed over the last four games they've played.

The last time I saw Edinburgh dismantled so efficiently was also the last time they conceded seven tries in a match. I'm sorry to remind you of the 2021 Champions Cup last 16 tie against Racing 92 where we were crushed 56-3.

Our cause wasn’t helped by the pre-match injury to Emiliano Boffelli. Wes Goosen is a very capable 15, but Chris Dean is not a winger any more than Luan de Bruin is a loosehead.

Add to that our scrum malfunctioned, which may be understandable in the light of Stormers 100kg advantage, but so did our lineout at crucial times and there’s little I can offer to explain why.

Stormers were in a groove that even Stevie Wonder would have been proud of. I think even if those issues hadn’t arisen, we still wouldn’t have looked like winning.

The biggest positive of the day was a strong debut for Jake Henry, which hopefully means that’s the last time we will see Dean on the wing.

Five points is what I hoped we could take from this trip. That is still possible. We have only managed to claim a bonus-point win once in the league this season, but it was against another South African side - Bulls - in round five. Maybe that’s a positive omen.

Sandy Smith can be found on The Burgh Watch, external.

Grant Young
Fan writer

The first game of Glasgow's URC run-in has been scratched off.

A home win over lowly Cardiff: 17-13. It sounds great; it was anything but on Friday night at a rain-soaked and wind-howling Scotstoun.

The Welsh side seemed the more settled team in the dismal conditions. There were numerous errors across the pitch as Glasgow welcomed back a number of players from international rugby. Cardiff knocked over two quick penalties and then a deserved try to lead 13-0 at the break.

A seething Franco Smith must have given his side the hair-dryer treatment at half time, and Glasgow were instantly on the front foot in the second period.

A superb try by Max Williamson got Glasgow back in the contest before Lucio Sordoni's try and Duncan Weir's penalty secured a win for the Warriors.

It was interesting to see the impact of two of Scotland’s most consistent performers return to club rugby. Jack Dempsey and Kyle Steyn are different class at this level, and are undoubtedly the first names on the team sheet.

Rumours continue to circulate that Adam Hastings is returning to Scotstoun, and Kyle Steyn seemed to confirm it after the Cardiff win.

Glasgow lacked the control and play-making abilities of someone like Hastings on Friday and his potential move north can only be a positive for Smith and co.

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Scotland international Josh Bayliss has signed a new deal with Bath, keeping him at the club until 2027.

The back-rower made his Scotland debut in 2021, and has played five matches in total for his country.

Despite featuring in warm-ups games for the 2023 World Cup, he was not included in the final squad, and while named in the initial squad for the 2024 Six Nations, Bayliss did not make an appearance during the championship.

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Edinburgh lock Natasha Logan has been called up to Scotland's Six Nations squad as they prepare to face France in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Bryan Easson's side started their campaign with an historic win over Wales in Cardiff, while France beat Ireland 38-17 in Le Mans.

Logan impressed during the recent Celtic challenge, and with Sarah Bonar picking up an injury against Wales, could now get an opportunity to impress on the international stage.

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Scotland winger Coreen Grant says the side having each other's backs - and a vocal travelling support - was what helped them see out a nervy final 10 minutes against Wales in the Women's Six Nations.

Tries from Grant and Rhona Lloyd helped the Scots to a historic seventh test win in a row.

"It was a fantastic game, went right down to the wire, really close," Grant told Scottish Rugby media, external. "But we talked all week about what we wanted to do and we stuck to that and got the win.

"We all knew what we wanted to do, stuck together, especially in that last 10 minutes down in their line.

"Our job is a lot easier when side by side, we’ve all got each other’s backs. It got real squeaky bum time at the end, nerves pretty shredded, but I think we all had that belief we could do it.

"[The support] has been massive, it feels like we’ve got whole clans here. When you’re singing that anthem – the Welsh are loud – but knowing you’ve got that support in the stands and also at home means everything."