With the URC quarter-finals looming this weekend, Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie and Glasgow's Rory Darge the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast to talk play-offs, Lions disappointment and more.
Image source, SNSFormer Argentina winger Sebastian Cancelliere has scored 23 tries in his four-year Glasgow spell
Glasgow Warriors have confirmed a further five summer departures as they prepare for the URC quarter-final at home to Stormers on Friday night.
Sebastian Cancelliere, JP du Preez, Sean Kennedy, Facundo Cordero and Logan Trotter will leave at the end of the season along with Henco Venter, Tom Jordan and Jack Mann, whose impending moves to Brive, Bristol and Gloucester respectively had already been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Warriors scrum-half George Horne has urged his side to tap into last season's title success as they look to progress in the play-offs.
"We'd done a lot of losing big games in the past and that kind of probably gave us the experience to work out what was needed to be done to win it last year," said Horne.
"But you can't just expect that to happen again, we've got to make it happen. We've got a good, experienced team now. We've been there and done it, but it's going to have to be done again if we want to keep going further in this competition."
Glasgow won 27-10 at home to Stormers at the same stage last year before securing memorable away victories over Munster and Bulls to claim the silverware.
"We can learn from it, obviously playing the same opposition, but it means nothing in of going into this year," Horne said of the visit from the South Africans. "We've still got to put out a performance this weekend.
"We can't just rest on the laurels of what we did last year. We'll use the experience of winning those tight games, but we know we've got to turn up on Friday if we're going to do it again."
Image source, SNSWes Goosen is backing Edinburgh to thrive as underdogs and says they take momentum and a "good vibe" into the URC play-offs.
Sean Everitt's side squeezed into the top eight with wins away to Connacht and at home to Ulster in their final two matches.
Now they face a trip to face Bulls in South Africa in the quarter-finals, but full-back Goosen believes his side's late-season form provides plenty of hope.
"I feel like we had a lot to prove and a lot to play for in the last three, four, five weeks, so the momentum's good and there's a good vibe in the camp," the full-back said.
"We've basically been playing finals rugby for the last six, seven weeks. And you get confidence and belief from that as a team, getting close and getting those victories.
"I think it's very dangerous in sport when a team's got a lot of confidence.
"I quite like to be seen as an underdog when people are overconfident, maybe, or just don't take us fully serious.
"But I think we know, as a team, we're getting better. And I think we can definitely compete with the best, we have been shown it."
Edinburgh's previous visit to Bulls ended in a 22-16 defeat last September but they defeated the South Africans 34-28 at home in the Challenge Cup quarter-final last month.
"It's going to be a big task, it's going to be physical, it's going to be tough in the altitude," Goosen said of the trip to Pretoria.
"But we played them here not too long ago and we really dominated the first half.
"If we can do that in their backyard, it's going to be a tough game for them. If we do what we do well, then we can win. We're just going to stay in it and give it our best."
As usual on a Monday, we're giving you the chance to put your burning rugby questions to our reporters, Tom English and Andy Burke.
Whether it's building up to the weekend's games, looking further ahead to the Lions tour or anything else Scottish rugby related, our team are ready.
Send your questions via this link and they'll be answered on this page later on in the week.
Image source, SNSDuhan van der Merwe "has a chance" of returning to action in Edinburgh's URC quarter-final away to Bulls on Saturday, says head coach Sean Everitt.
Scotland's record try-scorer has been sidelined since March after suffering ankle ligament damage, an injury that cast some doubt on whether he would be fit for involvement with the Lions this summer.
Van der Merwe, who had surgery in April, has flown with Edinburgh to his birth-country with a view to being included in the squad for Saturday's last-eight clash in South Africa.
"Duhan will be flying with the team," the head coach said.
"He's got one more training session to get through for his return to play but at the moment he's booked on the flight to Pretoria, and everyone that's on the flight has a chance of being involved in the match 23.
"We have to see how he responds to the flight, like everyone else, and obviously we've got another training session to get through.
"He has been in and out of training last week and he finished a full day of training today, which was a double session, and hopefully he gets through tomorrow.
"Part of his rehabilitation programme is to be ready to return to rugby from a fitness point of view, but it's just the fact that he hasn't been involved in many 15 v 15 sessions, so we're hoping that he can hit the ground running."
Despite his injury, Van der Merwe was selected in Andy Farrell's Lions squad earlier this month and Everitt said the 29-year-old wing is eager to get some game time under his belt for his club before he goes to Australia in the summer.
"I think it's one thing playing for the British and Irish Lions, and the second thing is that every performance that he puts in from now on will help in his selection in the Test team," Everitt added.
"That's the ultimate goal, playing Test rugby for the Lions against Australia. So, yes, he'll be keen to play, but we won't put him on the field if he's not ready."
Image source, Getty ImagesPete Murchie is unfazed by Glasgow's patchy form heading into the URC play-offs because he recalls that they were not at their consistent best before winning the title last year.
The defending champions host Stormers in the quarter-final on Friday after losing four of their last five matches, and each of their last three.
However, defence coach Murchie was quick to point out Warriors lost two of their last three games of the regulation season a year ago before pulling it all together when it mattered most to defeat Stormers, Munster and Bulls and claim the championship.
"We're not in the business of losing games and being happy about it," he said. "But in the last game against Leinster (a 17-5 defeat) we looked a lot more like ourselves, based on the amount of young players we had playing and how we fronted up.
"It was definitely a step forward in of performance. Last year, I wouldn't say we were exactly humming in the three or four games before this period, so it is about putting our best quality performance out this weekend."
Glasgow's bid to make an impact in the play-offs has been aided by the return from injury of Lions' call-ups Scott Cummings, Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu in recent weeks.
Captain Tuipulotu, who played the first half against Leinster, "didn't look rusty at all" added Murchie.
"Obviously players who have got experience of having done it before, international players who have played on the bigger stage, he's obviously got massive leadership qualities for us," he said.
"He did pretty well in his 40 minutes against a tough opposition. He didn't look rusty at all, so it's big to have someone of his quality back available for these games."
Image source, Getty ImagesScotland fly-half Finn Russell contributed 17 points with his boot as Bath clinched their first European title in 17 years with a 37-12 win over Lyon in the Challenge Cup final.
Russell kicked three penalties and four conversions for the English Premiership side at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
The French side opened the scoring with a try, but a Russell penalty set the ball rolling for a commanding victory for Bath, with the Scot also having the final say with the final three points.
Image source, GettyCharlie McCaig made his Exeters Chief debut this season
Edinburgh have completed the double g of young players Charlie McCaig and Ben White.
Centre McCaig, 22, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather, s the senior squad on a two-year deal from Exeter Chiefs while 20-year-old loosehead White moves from Melrose to the pro academy on a 12-month contract.
McCaig made his Exeter debut this season in the Premiership Cup and has been on loan at English Championship side Cornish Pirates, scoring three tries in 19 appearances.
"Edinburgh has always felt like a home away from home, especially with my family living nearby in Fife," he said.
"After speaking with Sean [Everitt], it's clear that our rugby philosophies are closely aligned, which gives me real confidence in what I can offer the team."
White has been capped at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 level, helping the latter to World Rugby Trophy success last summer.
Head coach Sean Everitt said: "We are thrilled to welcome both Charlie and Ben to Edinburgh. Both players have had impressive journeys in rugby so far, demonstrating dedication and a real commitment to their development."
BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions
Craig asked: Is Sean Everitt the coach to take Edinburgh forward. I'm still very much in the no camp.
Tom answered: It's a harder question to answer now than it might have been a few months ago. Edinburgh made the semi-final of Europe and are now in the quarter-final of the URC, albeit having made very hard work of it.
On the face of it, that's okay. If they were to go to Pretoria and win then that's a landmark victory. I don't rule it out. Edinburgh have a lot more steel to them nowadays and their games with the Bulls tend to be close.
I don't think he's going anywhere in that scenario. I doubt he's going anywhere even if they lose, to be honest.
Everybody will have their own view on this but I think he deserves another season, just to see if the more resilient Edinburgh we're seeing now can start next term the way they're finishing this one.
Alistair asked: Do we chalk down Edinburgh's seventh place in the URC as a disappointment or what we should reasonably expect?
Tom answered: It's disappointing they came so close to exiting the competition, that's for sure.
Seventh is too hairy for a club with Edinburgh's potential. I don't think it's too much to expect them to be a lot closer to fourth (and a home quarter-final) than eighth.
Hopey asked: Are there any young players that might make it on to the summer tour? I take it as given that Freddie Douglas travels.
Tom answered: Yeah, plenty. Freddy Douglas definitely travels. I'd be taking a serious look at Seb Stephen, Mackenzie Duncan, Jare Oguntibeju, Gregor Hiddleston, Alex Samuel, Duncan Munn, Patrick Harrison, Harry Paterson, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty and others. This is the tour for it - part experience, part development.
Ethan asked: What a debut for Seb Stephen, going to the Aviva holding his own against a current and former Lion! Could Stephen have played himself into the matchday 23 for Glasgow's quarter-final?
Tom answered: I suspect Franco Smith will go with his experienced hookers, but I might be wrong.
Stephen's outstanding performance against the best team in the league will give him plenty to think about, though. He nailed his throws and had a real physicality and intensity to him.
I was kinda gobsmacked, to be honest. He was up against Dan Sheehan, arguably the best hooker in the world. He was throwing against RG Snyman and James Ryan in the Leinster lineout - a World Cup winner and a 2025 Lion. For a 19-year-old, it was as good a debut as I've seen.
Image source, SNSMatt Fagerson is staying on at Glasgow Warriors until at least the summer of 2028
Scotland back-row Matt Fagerson is vowing "to keep pushing and keep developing" after g a contract extension that will keep the 26-year-old at Glasgow Warriors for another three years.
Fagerson has been with the Scotstoun club since 2016 and made his international debut in 2018.
He has scored 24 tries in 126 appearances for Glasgow and his tally of Scotland caps now stands at 55.
"I really want to push myself and win more trophies, not only with Glasgow but for Scotland as well," Fagerson told the Warriors' website., external "I know I've got more to give and more levels I want to reach in my own game.
"I came in here with a lot of ambition but possibly lacking in physical ability or rugby smarts, and this club has shaped me into the person and player I am today.
"I'm nowhere near the finished article, though – I want to keep pushing on and keep developing in all aspects of my game.
"The [United Rugby Championship] title win in Pretoria last season is obviously right up at the top in of highlights from my time here so far – the manner in which we did it and the group that we did it with was something I'll for the rest of my life."
Head Coach Franco Smith added: "Matt's pride at representing this club shines through in each of his performances.
"His ability to play across the back-row is a valuable asset to our squad, whilst his ball-carrying ability allows him to provide a true point of difference whenever he is on the field.
"He is a role model to our young Scottish forwards coming through our academy system, and we look forward to working closely with him over the next few years."
Image source, SNSGlasgow Warriors will kick off the 2025-26 URC season at home to South African side Sharks on Friday 26 September, while Edinburgh open with a trip to face Zebre in Parma the following day.
Edinburgh's first home game comes in week two against Ulster as Glasgow head to Treviso to tackle Benetton.
The 1872 Cup derby between the Scottish sides is to be staged at Hampden Park and Murrayfield on 20 and 27 December respectively.
Three of Glasgow's final four fixtures are on the road, with a South Africa double-header against Lions and Stormers followed by Cardiff at Scotstoun and Ulster away.
Edinburgh's South Africa trip comes in March before they end the campaign with home games against Zebre and Sharks, a trip to face Dragons and Connacht at the Hive.
The competition format remains unchanged, with the top eight progressing to the play-offs, which start on 29 May. The semi-finals take place on 6 June and the final is on 20 June.
Glasgow's 2025-26 fixtures: Sharks (H) 26 Sept; Benetton (A) 4 Oct; Dragons (H) 11 Oct; Opspreys (A) 18 Oct; Bulls (H) 24 Oct; Scarlets (A) 29 Nov; Edinburgh (H) 20 Dec; Edinburgh (A) 27 December; Zebre (H) 3 Jan; Zebre (A) 24 Jan; Munster (H) 30 Jan; Connacht (A) 28 Feb; Leinster (H) 21 Mar; Benetton (H) 27 Mar; Lions (A) 18 Apr; Stormers (A) 25 Apr; Cardiff (H) 8 May; Ulster (A) 15 May.
Edinburgh's 2025-26 fixtures: Zebre (A) 27 Sept; Ulster (H) 3 Oct; Munster (A) 10 Oct; Benetton (H) 17 Oct; Cardiff (A) 25 Oct; Ospreys (H) 29 Nov; Glasgow (A) 20 Dec; Glasgow (H) 27 Dec; Benetton (A) 3 Jan; Bulls (H) 23 Jan; Leinster (A) 31 Jan; Scarlets (H) 27 Feb; Lions (A) 21 Mar; Stormers (A) 28 Mar; Zebre (H) 17 Apr; Sharks (H) 24 Apr; Dragons (A) 9 May; Connacht (H) 15 May.
Hollie Davidson - who will make history on Friday as the first woman to referee a European final - s the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast this week to discuss her rise from crushed dreams of playing to becoming a top referee.
There's also a look back at the weekend URC action as Edinburgh secured a play-off spot and Glasgow went down to a battling defeat at Leinster.
Image source, SNSMelbourne-born Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is relishing the pressure of proving his international allegiance for the British and Irish Lions.
Amid ongoing debate about the selection of foreign-born players, the Glasgow centre is set to line up against his native Australia during this summer's Lions tour.
Tuipulotu, who made his Scotland debut in 2021, is among seven of Andy Farrell's 38-man Lions squad who hail from overseas.
While five of those players are eligible for their adopted nations purely on residency rules, Tuipulotu qualified through ancestry.
The 28-year-old's Greenock-born grandmother was at Murrayfield last autumn to see him score a try while leading Scotland to a 27-13 defeat of the Wallabies.
"I put so much on myself that I really wanted to be a Lion because I know how much it means to people over here," said Tuipulotu, who initially feared his tour participation may be ruined by injury.
"I had gone all in with the stuff with Scotland and I just felt what better way to prove my allegiance to Scotland than go all in and try and make the Lions. That's why it meant so much to me.
"Genuinely early days you have that feeling of 'Am I part of this">
