Scottish Rugby

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.

Image source, Getty Images

Edinburgh have signed "quality operator" Piers O'Conor from Connacht on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old, who can play at centre, wing and full-back, will move to the Scottish capital this summer.

After six years with Bristol, O'Conor joined Connacht last summer and has started 15 of the Galway club's 17 URC matches this season.

"Piers is exactly the type of quality operator we look for in a non-Scottish qualified signing," said Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt.

"He's an excellent player with the ability to cover multiple positions across the backline, which is hugely valuable for us in managing the demands of a long season.

"His consistent performances and impressive statistics speak for themselves and his experience and leadership qualities will be a significant asset to our squad both on and off the field"

Born in Sydney and raised in England, O'Conor has played for Ireland Under-19s and England Under-20s.

"Joining a club like Edinburgh is a big opportunity. It's a new environment and a strong squad," he said.

"It's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in, meeting the group and doing my bit to help the team push on and win some silverware."

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Tom English and Andy Burke look back on contrasting form for Edinburgh and Glasgow in the URC, answer audience questions and preview a big weekend ahead.

Listen and subscribe to the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast

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Edinburgh centre Matt Scott has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

Scott, 34, made 40 appearances for Scotland and also represented Gloucester and Leicester Tigers at club level.

He made his 100th appearance for the capital club against Ospreys in October 2024.

"After 14 unforgettable years, it's time to hang up the boots," Scott said in a statement.

"My overwhelming emotion is one of gratitude. Rugby is the ultimate team game and to have had the opportunity to be fully immersed in this sport for so long has been such a joy.

"Playing for my country and representing three amazing clubs in Edinburgh, Gloucester and Leicester Tigers has been beyond anything I could have dreamt of as a young lad from Currie who just loved the sport.

"As for what's next, a career as a financial advisor beckons, but for the moment, I'm looking forward to enjoying the last moments with my Edinburgh teammates and reminiscing about the good times."

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Edinburgh trio Connor Boyle, Tom Dodd and Luke Crosbie have all signed new deals with the club.

Boyle, who has missed the majority of this season through injury, has penned a one-year extension, while fellow back-rowers Dodd and Crosbie have extended their stays by two years.

Dodd signed for Edinburgh during the 2023-24 season and has recently returned to full training following shoulder surgery

Crosbie has made over 100 appearances for the club in addition to winning 12 Scotland caps.

"Luke's experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding our talented group of back-row forwards, many of whom are local lads themselves, over the next two years," head coach Sean Everitt said.

"Securing a quality operator like Luke in our pack is a significant boost for us."

What on earth has happened to Glasgow? Two defeats in a row, just three wins from the past six matches in the URC and dumped out of the Champions Cup by Leinster.

If you look at 2025, it's seven wins and five defeats in all competitions. It doesn't make for pretty reading.

Is there anyway to justify it? Injuries are one, Glasgow have been without key players throughout the season at different times, with the back row decimated in recent weeks.

The second row situation has got better with the return of Scott Cummings and Max Williamson, while Huw Jones returned to the centres for the first time since the Six Nations.

Unfortunately, this had zero impact on the way Benetton completely dismantled the Warriors.

The centre pairing for the Italians were incredible but it was fly-half Jacob Umaga who controlled the full game. A night to forget for the Warriors and things don't get any easier.

Glasgow go to Leinster to close the regular season out. A near must-win if Glasgow are to have any chance of a top-two finish but unfortunately it's looking more likely that a third or even fourth-place finish lies in store. The positive? It's similar to last season.

Why though have so many of the top stars dropped off? Glasgow finished last season on 22 June. Two weeks later eight players were involved for Scotland against Canada. The next week, 13 players played the United States. It feels like a few front line players need a break after another long club season.

Can Franco Smith and his side get anything from Dublin this weekend? It's going to be tough and likely watched in hope rather than any sort of expectation.

Edinburgh's win over Connacht on Saturday was founded in defence. Connacht had more territory and Edinburgh made more than twice the number of tackles.

Nine of the top ten tacklers in the game were in orange, with Hamish Watson - who had an excellent match on both sides of the ball - topping the chart.

It was also founded on discipline and accuracy. Edinburgh conceded just eight penalties in the 80 minutes, while our lineout functioned almost flawlessly.

It seemed to me that there was less dancing in and out of the line prior to the throws in Galway so perhaps simplicity is best in this area.

A word for fly-half Ross Thompson, who had an excellent game. His kicking was flawless, defensively he was solid and played a part in Hamish Watson's try.

There were a couple of areas of concern though. We conceded a try almost straight from the second-half restart. In our past 10 games we've given up eight tries in the period between 40 and 50 minutes - it's where we are most likely to be breached.

Our lineout looked a little more secure but our maul was repeatedly disrupted and of the eight penalties we conceded, half of them came from interference with the jumper in the air. It happens, but when you realise that it's something the referee is hot on, do you not adapt?

Charlie Shiel's brilliant and unexpected run from his own half secured a bonus-point try, with Ben Healy's conversion and subsequent penalty meant a nervous game went Edinburgh's way.

The resulting five points mean at the very least we go into the final game of the regular season with a chance of knockout rugby.

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 Glasgow's heavy defeat to Benetton, Edinburgh's win over Connacht, 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.

Jamie Lyall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Mentality monsters required for play-off push

Edinburgh shouldn't be in this position, fretting over the results of others and glancing anxiously at the URC table as the final round clatters down the tracks.

They have spilled too many cheap points and bungled too many winnable games.

The draw in Parma against Zebre. The home defeat by the same opposition. The late sickening in Treviso. The gut-wrencher against the Sharks which should have been a bonus-point win, even allowing for the quality of opposition. Poor showings against toiling Welsh regions.

For all their caps and all their pedigree and all the money spent assembling this squad, you can't hang your hat on Edinburgh.

Saturday night in a sun-baked Dexcom looked to be following the same pull-your-hair-out routine. A 14-0 half-time lead evaporated in 13 minutes after the break. At 21-21, Connacht had the momentum and the hunger heading into the final throes.

Then Edinburgh found themselves again. A truer reflection of the sum of their parts and the character which should be their baseline. Mighty defence, breakdown snarl, and a sublime breakaway score from Charlie Shiel.

In the end, they got what they needed. But they'll need more. Maximum points when Ulster visit the Hive on Friday is effectively non-negotiable. They'll be praying Cardiff and Scarlets falter in South Africa, while Munster and Benetton, who occupy the final two spots in the top eight, meet in Limerick where something else will give.

It's far from a done deal, though.

Failure to reach the URC knockouts for three straight years would be a gross underachievement for this talented playing group and raise more uncomfortable questions for those coaching them.

Edinburgh's mentality has long been suspect. It's time for them to show us what they're really made of.

Forgotten half-backs still have a part to play

Edinburgh are not recruiting in either half-back position this summer, opting to trust what they have and supplement the senior pros with academy talent.

Ali Price is bound for France with no replacement sought for the 2021 Lion. That might present more opportunities for Shiel, once a highly-rated youngster who has faded to the periphery of the Edinburgh squad. He's 27 now, yet started a meagre 22 professional matches.

Sure, rugby's a 23-man game, but no player wants to spend all their days warming the bench. Shiel's keen vision and searing finish was a reminder of his attributes.

Ross Thompson is the front-line 10 and Sean Everitt is a great admirer of Cammy Scott, the coming man in the pivot position, who will begin to see more game time.

Where does that leave Ben Healy? The Tipperary man was Everitt's go-to fly-half last season and Finn Russell's deputy with Scotland. He went to the Rugby World Cup, played all but 20 minutes of URC rugby and became the focal point of Edinburgh's game.

Healy's fall since has been brutal. Reduced to a spectator for chunks of the campaign, out of the matchday 23 altogether and playing A games to stay sharp. This time last year, he'd played 1,356 minutes of URC rugby. To date, he's managed only 287.

Nine of those came off the bench on Saturday night, slotting the penalty which finally took the match beyond Connacht.

Shiel and Healy were unlikely heroes. Each will be determined to play more central roles next season.

There's plenty life left in Watson

At 33, Hamish Watson is no longer the untameable, undroppable berserker of Edinburgh's back-row. He's been out of the Test picture for a while now and his latest contract - a one-year deal agreed recently - is expected to be his last at the club.

Younger men are coming for his crown. Ben Muncaster has had a terrific season. Luke Crosbie's injury toils continue, but he is a warrior and seasoned international. Freddy Douglas could be a generational player in the number seven jersey that Watson has owned for an age.

The warhorse, though, still has the beastly power-weight ratio which earned him a spot on the last Lions tour.

Nobody in Galway topped his haul of 17 tackles. He seized a crucial breakdown pilfer, ran for 49m and contributed one of Edinburgh's four tries.

Watson knows he may see less action next season. His top-dog status is in jeopardy when all his rivals are fit and motoring. But there'll be no going quietly into that long night.

We asked for your views as Glasgow were well beaten away to Benetton, while Edinburgh battled to an impressive bonus-point win in Galway against Connacht.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Benetton 33-7 Glasgow

Jamie: People have sussed out Glasgow's lack of kicking and without Sione [Tuipulotu], Stafford McDowall plays too deep which leads to all play being in front of defenders so they can pick and choose where to hit which resulted in a lot of bad passes under pressure or people getting smashed.

Glasgow fans are hopeful but appreciate it looks like this year has just been too hard on the players and therefore it's no harm if we do not win any games in the post season.

Martin: Injuries are one thing but the fall off in Glasgow's defence and their predictable 'out the back' attack is really troubling, as we hit the crucial part of the season.

There really needs to be, for the first time in a long time, a real hard inward look at the manner and the approach - players and coaches alike - because they are way off the standards the team themselves have set.

Patrick: Are Glasgow doomed to a semi-final finish this year? Feels like injuries have very much taken their toll and competing when it really matters is a bridge too far for a talented group of very young players.

David: Glasgow face the prospect of facing Leinster in two consecutive URC games, both at the Aviva, and therefore I cannot see them finishing any higher than fourth. They have had a disastrous run of injuries. Better luck next season.

Tom: Glasgow have lost self-belief since the game in Dublin. The number of mistakes we made in every part of the field was embarrassing. Missed passes, missed tackles and a penalty count that felt out of control.

We will finish in fourth and I am of the opinion we will lose the quarter-final. Something is wrong and it seems that even Franco Smith can't fix it

Connacht 21-31 Edinburgh

Steve: No point nit-picking, it's a win and it's the five points we needed to take it to the final week of the regular season. Not forgetting it's another away win against a province and I'll take those every day of the week. Fingers crossed results go our way next week.

David: Forgettable day at the office for Glasgow. Edinburgh though! They really wanted that one. Best I've seen of Ross Thompson in an Edinburgh shirt and, wow, Charlie Shiel. Take a bow! Always liked him and that was an epic try.

What did you make of Scotland's club sides in Saturday's URC action?

Glasgow were well beaten away to Benetton, while Edinburgh battled to an impressive bonus-point win in Galway.

Who stood out for you and are you optimistic about your team's chances with one match of the regular league season remaining?

Have your say.

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Player of the match Ross Thompson tells Premier Sports: "There definitely was pressure.

"We knew we had to come here and get five points - we're really chuffed with the result.

"They were always going to have a purple patch. It was squeaky bum time there, but [Charlie Shiel] came on and scored a worldie."

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Glasgow head coach Franco Smith tells Premier Sports: "Compliments to Benetton.

"They have got a good team here and obviously bounced back after the loss against Stormers.

"We have got a lot of work to do. We've got to fix a couple of things and we'll be excited to get out there next week.

"Well done to them, they filled the field, put their bodies on the line and showed a lot of character."

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Huw Jones returns to the Glasgow Warriors side to face Benetton in the URC on Saturday having been sidelined since the Six Nations with an ankle injury.

Jones joins fellow Lions squad member Scott Cummings in the starting line-up, the latter shifting from his usual position in the second row to blindside flanker.

Sione Tuipulotu is not yet fit to return from the pectoral injury that has kept him out since January but is in contention to face Leinster in the final round of the regular URC season next weekend.

Murphy Walker could make his first Warriors appearance in a year from the bench.

Glasgow have already secured a home quarter-final in the play-offs but aim to finish second, which they currently occupy, which would also bring a home semi-final should they make the last four.

Warriors are just a point clear of Bulls, with the South African side having a more favourable looking run-in with home matches against Cardiff and Dragons.

"If I look across the number of caps that we have in the team at the moment, we're not inexperienced," head coach Franco Smith told BBC Scotland.

"Nothing is new to the boys. It's now about gelling us together and make sure that we hit our straps when it counts most.

"So our focus is absolutely on how we are going to go about our business and we've managed to stay in the second place for 16 rounds. It would be fantastic to finish the season there. That is obviously our objective but that is not the primary plan for this week.

"We play Benetton, we will play Leinster and we will play whoever in the quarters and whatever happens after that."

Glasgow: Jamie Bhatti, Johnny Matthews, Fin Richardson, Max Williamson, Alex Samuel, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Sione Vailanu; George Horne, Tom Jordan, Kyle Steyn (c), Stafford McDowall, Huw Jones, Jamie Dobie, Ollie Smith

Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Nathan McBeth, Murphy Walker, JP du Preez, Euan Ferrie; Ben Afshar, Adam Hastings, Kyle Rowe

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Edinburgh have made four changes to the side knocked out of Europe by Bath for their crucial URC trip to face Connacht on Saturday.

The capital side head to Galway needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Edinburgh are 10th in the table, two places and two points outside the top eight, with two matches of the regular season remaining.

Lock Marshall Sykes and back-rower Ben Muncaster come into the forward pack, while centre Mosese Tuipulotu and wing Jack Brown also start.

Magnus Bradbury captains the side in the absence of the rested Grant Gilchrist, while Jamie Ritchie and Harry Patterson both miss out with concussion.

Pierre Schoeman starts in the front row fresh from his call-up to the British and Irish Lions, though fellow Lion Duhan van der Merwe is still not ready for action after an injury layoff.

Darcy Graham starts and will have a point to prove after missing out on Andy Farrell's 38-man squad.

"I think the results don't reflect our performances over the past couple of weeks," said Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt.

"If you look back at the Sharks game and at Bath, the effort and the work and energy that the guys have put in on the park has been admirable. So we'd look for the same there. What I'm looking at this week is for more accuracy and what we're good at.

"The result's vitally important tomorrow. Obviously, it's a challenge playing in Galway.

"We've had a good week of preparation. We've got over the Bath game and the guys are ready to go."

Edinburgh: Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, Mosese Tuipulotu, Jack Brown, Ross Thompson, Ali Price; Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, D'arcy Rae, Marshall Sykes, Sam Skinner, Ben Muncaster, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury (c)

Replacements: Paddy Harrison, Boan Venter, Javan Sebastian, Glen Young, Liam McConnell; Charlie Shiel, Ben Healy, James Lang