'Unthinkable': John Barclay in disbelief over 'absurd' situation

Former Scotland captain John Barclay admits that the idea that Glasgow Warriors have to play a potential United Rugby Championship final in Belfast is “absurd.”

But that is what they are facing if they can get through tomorrow night’s play-off quarter-final against Connacht and then a semi-final against the winners of the clash between the Bulls and Munster.

The Warriors’ Scotstoun home is set to be handed over for preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and any potential semi-final will be switched to Murrayfield.

But the home of Scottish Rugby is due to host a gig by country music superstar Zach Bryan the week before the URC Final, and it will be a race against the clock to turn it around in time.

Celtic Park, touted as a potential venue, is being re-turfed and isn’t available. The pitch specifications at Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium mean it is unsuitable, and Belfast’s Affidea Stadium is the preferred option if Murrayfield isn’t free.

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“Unless I’m mistaken, the issue was with getting the rigging down and the stage down after a concert. If that is the reason, then I would imagine there are a couple of thousand Glasgow fans who would drive across and help.

“I think that would almost be unthinkable if it were a logistical thing rather than a cost issue. Home finals don’t happen very often, so you have to do whatever you can to make sure it happens. The thought of playing a home final in Belfast or wherever is absurd to me.”

Barclay believes that even though Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht finished eighth in the URC table, 11 points behind Glasgow, they will be more than a match for Franco Smith’s team.

“They’ve been brilliant over the course of the last number of months. Beating Edinburgh in the last game of the season, it was just another tick in the box for them, more than anything.

“Edinburgh had nothing to play for, Connacht had everything to play for, but it was really impressive that they just delivered it. They knew they had to win and ideally win with a bonus point.

“I’ve been really impressed by them. My takeaway from the game was that no one would feel that comfortable playing them, despite the fact that they’re eighth in the league,” he added.

Premier Sports is the home of the BKT United Rugby Championship across the UK and Ireland with every game live throughout the season including all the play-off stages and the Grand Final on Saturday June 20. John Barclay is part of the Premier Sports team bringing all four play-off quarter-finals from the URC this weekend. Tune in from 7pm on Friday for Glasgow Warriors v Connacht with Ryan Wilson, John Barclay, Bernard Jackman, Chris Paterson, Rory Hamilton and Lauren Salter. To join in visit www.premiersports.com @PremSportsTV