Fagerson and Turner return to Glasgow colours

Zander Fagerson is set to hand Scotland a Guinness Six Nations boost when he makes his Glasgow return today.

The tighthead prop has spent five months out of action after breaking his leg against Cheetahs in September.

But he has been named in a front-row against Cardiff Blues that also includes hooker George Turner for the first time since he damaged ankle ligaments in December.

The return of both forwards comes as a major boost to Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and his injury-hit Dark Blues squad.

Townsend has been rocked this week by the news that back-rower Ryan Wilson and centre Huw Jones will miss the remainder of the Championships, with star full-back Stuart Hogg’s participation also in doubt due to a shoulder injury sustained against Ireland last week.

But their Warriors team-mates Fagerson and Turner are now primed to rejoin the national team set-up ahead of next week’s clash with France in Paris should they come through today’s Guinness PRO14 fixture with the Blues at Cardiff Arms Park unscathed.

Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s great to have Zander back out there. He was playing some world-class rugby before he got injured and has worked hard on his rehabilitation and is excited to be back.”

Fagerson and Turner pack down alongside loosehead Alex Allan, while lock Scott Cummings will play his 50th Glasgow game with Tim Swinson his partner in the engine room.

Rob Harley captains the side from the blindside flank and Thomas Gordon makes his first start wearing number seven. Adam Ashe completes the pack, fresh from signing a new twoyear contract with the club.

Ali Price and Pete Horne are the halfbacks, both having been released to play by Scotland.

Scotland Sevens winger Kyle Steyn will make his Warriors debut while fullback Ruaridh Jackson and Rory Hughes complete the back-three. In midfield Stafford McDowall and Nick Grigg combine.

“We’re energised by a short break and can’t wait to get back to action,” said Rennie, whose side got back to winning ways against Ospreys last month after losing three straight league games.

“We’re entering a key period in our season and have a really good side travelling down to Cardiff, where both teams know each other pretty well by now.

“Our depth is getting tested in a couple of positions but the Scotland players have slotted back in seamlessly and we’ve had a good week of training.”

Zander Fagerson has been sidelined since September with a broken leg.