Glasgow Warriors pair out for the rest of the season

Glasgow Warriors have confirmed that they have lost two players for the rest of the season in a brutal double whammy.

A statement this morning reads: “Matt Smith and DTH van der Merwe will both miss the rest of the season with shoulder injuries.

“Winger van der Merwe has successfully undergone surgery and has begun his rehabilitation while flanker Smith will be operated on later this month.”

It is a blow for Glasgow, but potentially a worrying concern for Canada, for whom DTH van der Merwe has been a standout performer for over the years.

Meanwhile, Gregor Townsend has selected 12 Glasgow Warriors in his matchday squad as Scotland welcome Ireland to BT Murrayfield this Saturday.

Jonny Gray has returned from injury to start in the second-row and Ryan Wilson moves from number 8 to the blind-side flank.

Sam Johnson impressed on his debut against Italy last weekend and keeps his place in midfield. He is once again joined by Huw Jones and Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg both keep their place in the back-three.

On the bench, D’Arcy Rae will make his international debut should he be called upon.

Fraser Brown has recovered from a knee injury to be involved and Jamie Bhatti makes it an all Warriors front-row among the replacements.

Rob Harley’s impressive domestic form has been rewarded with a spot on the bench, his first involvement with the national side since 2017.

Ali Price is once again the scrum-half replacement and Pete Horne has also recovered from injury to be named on the bench.