Jack Dempsey 'desperate' to get back on pitch after 7 months out

Franco Smith revealed Jack Dempsey was “relieved” to be preparing for his first competitive match in more than seven months as Glasgow host Bulls in the United Rugby Championship on Friday night.

Bar a pre-season friendly outing against Northampton on September 12, the Australia-born number eight has effectively been sidelined since a hamstring issue flared up during Scotland’s Six Nations win over Wales in early March.

Dempsey was due to start in Glasgow’s league opener against Sharks four weeks ago but then pulled out after sustaining a groin injury in the warm-up that initially raised concerns that he may miss the upcoming autumn internationals.

However, the 31-year-old back-rower is now set to return to the field, a week before Scotland’s opening Test against the United States at Murrayfield.

“I’m very excited, but I think Jack’s more excited than all of us,” said head coach Smith of the back-rower’s return.

“He’s trained well and it gave him a little bit more time to align himself with the team. I’m very happy for him and hopefully he’ll come through the warm-up.

“That’s the only thing that now stands in his way in starting this game. He’s worked really hard.

“The setback was looking like a longer-term injury and the relief I saw when it wasn’t – from his side – now makes me realise how hard he really worked and how desperate he is to get back onto the pitch.”

Smith has selected a team packed with Scotland players for the last of the five URC matches scheduled before the international break, although Huw Jones remains a long-term absentee and influential forwards Rory Darge and Zander Fagerson are not involved as they are still working on their fitness in order to play some part for the national team next month.

Warriors are currently third in the table after winning three of their four matches so far and Smith is hopeful they can continue their encouraging start against a Bulls side featuring several South Africa internationals.

“The game against Benneton, where I felt we let it slip, was an important lesson and we’ve seen progression in the games since,” said Smith. “The team’s playing well, the players are well managed.

“The coaching group have done an excellent job to have the team in the best form leading up to the international series.”