Graeme Macpherson

Glasgow Warriors do not currently plan to make further signings after losing several experienced internationals, including Huw Jones, Adam Hastings and Jack Dempsey. Defence coach Scott Forrest believes the club’s smaller squad has enough emerging talent and senior players to remain competitive, citing last season’s first-place URC regular-season finish despite similar departures. Three players have joined, including former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie, while Ruwald van der Merwe is still to arrive. The coaching staff intends to retain its core attacking, defensive and set-piece systems, focusing instead on small improvements to avoid another failure in knockout matches after defeats by Toulon and the Bulls.

Edinburgh Rugby’s attack has failed to consistently supply its elite wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham despite the quality of its back-three options. New attack coach Tim Sampson intends to establish more stable midfield combinations, move the ball rapidly to the edges and give the star wingers freedom to find the ball. Recruitment from New Zealand, Japan and England should increase competition at scrum-half, fly-half and centre, while Sampson believes Ross Thompson can regain his early promise.