Brown returns as Hastings starts at full-back

Glasgow Warriors co-captain Fraser Brown will make his first appearance for the club in five months this weekend, as the hooker returns for a crucial clash with the Dragons this Sunday.

The 31-year-old has not played for club or country since sustaining a neck injury while playing for Scotland in the Autumn Nations Cup, with his last outing for the Warriors having been in the 20-7 win over the Scarlets at Scotstoun back in October.

Adam Hastings also returns from his three-match suspension for the must-win tie, lining up at full-back for Danny Wilson’s side.

Brown’s inclusion is the only alteration to the front-row that started last weekend’s win over the Ospreys, as Aki Seiuli and Enrique Pieretto continue as the starting props.

An all-new second-row partnership sees Kiran McDonald promoted from the bench to the starting XV, joining the returning Richie Gray in the engine room.

The back-row is unchanged, as Rob Harley and Thomas Gordon line up either side of number eight Ryan Wilson.

Sean Kennedy retains his place in the starting lineup at scrum-half, whilst Ross Thompson continues at fly-half after his impressive Player of the Match-winning performance against the Ospreys.

The midfield pairing of Robbie Fergusson and Nick Grigg is once again given the nod by Wilson, with the duo having provided a solid defensive presence in last weekend’s victory.

Lee Jones and Rufus McLean – both try-scorers last time out – are retained as the starting wingers, as Hastings returns from his red card-enforced layoff to start in the 15 jersey.

There is a welcome return amongst the replacements for the club’s most experienced back, as Pete Horne returns following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with concussion.

Grant Stewart rotates to the bench after starting each of the club’s last four outings, joining Dylan Evans and D’arcy Rae as the front-row replacements.

Similarly, Leone Nakarawa moves to the replacements to accommodate the returning Gray, whilst Fotu Lokotui is set for his first involvement in a Glasgow matchday 23 since scoring against the Dragons at Scotstoun back in December.

A brace of the club’s young talents complete the squad, as Jamie Dobie and Ollie Smith wear numbers 21 and 23 respectively.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Danny Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “After two wins on the bounce, we go away to an inform and almost full strength Dragons, with only a couple players away to Wales.

“Our destiny is in our own hands this weekend and a win on Sunday will give us a chance to qualify for the European Champions Cup next season.

“We reward form and once again this weekend’s team includes a number of our young players who have been going well as well as a number of experienced players coming back to us.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Dragons in the Guinness PRO14, Sunday 21 March, kick-off 3pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Aki Seiuli (25)
2. Fraser Brown (102)
3. Enrique Pieretto (13)
4. Richie Gray (55)
5. Kiran McDonald (31)
6. Rob Harley (245)
7. Thomas Gordon (31)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (185)

9. Sean Kennedy (16)
10. Ross Thompson (6)
11. Lee Jones (88)
12. Robbie Fergusson (10)
13. Nick Grigg (83)
14. Rufus McLean (5)
15. Adam Hastings (48)

16. Grant Stewart (43)
17. Dylan Evans (3)
18. D’arcy Rae (82)
19. Leone Nakarawa (77)
20. Fotu Lokotui (7)
21. Jamie Dobie (18)
22. Pete Horne (179)
23. Ollie Smith (4)

Unavailable for selection: Alex Allan, Scott Cummings, Cole Forbes, Chris Fusaro, George Horne, Paddy Kelly, Johnny Matthews, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn.

International duty: Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Sam Johnson, Huw Jones, Oli Kebble, Ali Price, George Turner.