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Smith returns and Munn set for first Warriors start

Scotland full-back Ollie Smith will make his first Glasgow appearance in over a year when the Warriors host Connacht in the URC on Sunday.

Smith ruptured knee ligaments in December 2023 and made his comeback for an Emerging Scotland side against Italy last month.

He is named at outside centre next to 21-year-old Duncan Munn, who makes his first Glasgow start amid 11 changes from the Champions Cup defeat at Harlequins, with Warriors missing more than 20 players because of injury and the upcoming Six Nations.

Duncan Weir captains the side for the first time, with rare starts for Patrick Schickerling and Fin Richardson in the front row.

Youngsters Euan Ferrie and Alex Samuel make up the second row, with Ally Miller, Henco Venter and recent Scotland call-up Jack Mann in the back-row.

Ben Afshar partners Weir in the half-backs, while Facundo Cordero makes a third start of the season on the wing.

Head coach Franco Smith said: "We have a great squad and Sunday presents an opportunity for some players that have earned their chance to perform at home.

"We're also pleased to welcome Ollie back into our line-up after over 13 months – he has worked diligently with our medical and physio teams."

Glasgow Warriors: McKay, Cancelliere, Smith, Munn, Cordero; Weir (c), Afshar; Schickerling, Matthews, Richardson, Ferrie, Samuel, Miller, Venter, Mann.

Replacements: Stewart, McBeth, Talakai, Duncan, Roberts, Fraser; Kennedy, Johnston.