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February 14, 2024

Scotland release five to Glasgow

Posted by Editor on February 14, 2024 07:43 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Peter Murchie wants the Scotland players released back to Glasgow to take the chance to push themselves into Calcutta Cup contention.
Scotland squad members Kyle Steyn, Johnny Matthews, Ross Thompson, Jamie Bhatti and Stafford McDowall have been released back to Glasgow ahead of this weekend's URC meeting with Dragons at Scotstoun.

Glasgow coach Peter Murchie hopes a strong performance against the Welsh could improve the released players chances of making the Scotland matchday squad for the England game a week on Saturday.

Murchie told The Scotsman: "The nature of those released in the Six Nations is that it's normally guys who haven't played a massive amount of rugby. Obviously it's frustrating for those guys but they're always really happy to get involved and have something to target.

"I'm sure [Gregor Townsend] will be watching to see how they all get on at the weekend. He's releasing guys because he wants to see them play well."

Steyn was a late withdrawal shortly before the French game after his wife went into labour - the couple welcomed a baby girl into the world over the weekend. Murchie reckons Steyn could have played but felt that some things were more important than sport.

He added: "If you take the risk it can be too late [to make the birth]. You can't live like that. You have to make the decision for everyone's sake. You have to make the decision for Harry Paterson who came into the team.

"It turned out pretty well and [Paterson] went well but obviously Kyle would have wanted to play. But some things are bigger than rugby."

Warriors have also welcomed back Jamie Dobie and Sebastian Cancelliere from long-term injury. Murchie added: "Jamie has been back in training for a few weeks and looking sharp and Seb has been out for a while but it's great to have him back.

"You wouldn't know he's been out. He's flying around and doing his normal things in defence like he's not been away."