The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Murchie in welcome return for Warriors
Internationalist to start at full-back for Pro12 clash against Dragons
Peter Murchie has his first GLASGOW
WARRIORS appearance of the season tonight, starting at full-back against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.
The Scotland international and former Howe of Fife player, who has played more than 100 times for the Warriors, replaces Stuart Hogg in the No 15 shirt.
Kirriemuir’s Matt Fagerson is once again involved after his debut against Ulster.
Head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s great to welcome Peter Murchie back.
“He’s been working really hard after picking up an injury during pre-season.
“The return of Josh Strauss and Rob Harley from injury is also a boost.
“Rodney Parade is always a difficult place to visit and the Dragons are a hugely physical side, so we’re going to have to be at the top of our game tomorrow night.”
The game kicks off at 7.35pm and is live on BBC Alba.
A quartet of Scotland internationalists will re-enter the fold for EDINBURGH
RUGBY this evening in their Guinness Pro12 match against the defending champions Connacht in Galway (kickoff 7.35pm).
Forwards Ross Ford, WP Nel, Grant Gilchrist and John Hardie are among seven personnel changes from last week’s loss at Thomond Park, with try-scorer Hardie promoted from the bench.
With Alan Solomons having left the club earlier in the week, acting head coach Duncan Hodge will take charge of the team.
He said: “It’s been a challenging week for all involved, but we’ve got a massive game we need to win on Friday night. In the short-term our focus has got to be on tomorrow’s match.
“We’ve got some fresh faces coming in from last week who will lift the team and give us a fresh energy for the game.
“Connacht have talismanic players among them and they’re always a tough team to play, especially at home.
“They’ll be physical, but we know what to expect. We have prepared well this week and can’t wait to embrace the challenge, start to change our performances and get results for the club.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Rugby has called a special general meeting of its member clubs for Friday October 28 to seek a mandate for inward investment.
Member clubs from across the country will be invited to BT Murrayfield to approve a motion permitting external investment into the union’s professional and performance rugby set-up.
Scottish Rugby CEO Mark Dodson said: “It has been well documented that we face an increasing challenge to compete in this rising market.
“At this year’s AGM I outlined that change would be necessary, and I want us to be proactive and early to market in order to attract potential investors.
“We have developed two strong clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh that still have plenty of scope to grow and be more successful, which can only be attractive to outside investment.
“While we have made great strides in generating record revenues in recent years, we also need to ensure we can fulfil and enhance the support available to our domestic game and national team operations.”