Huw Jones to make Glasgow Warriors debut against Montpellier

Huw Jones in action for Scotland in the 53-24 victory over Australia at BT Murrayfield. Picture: SNS Group

The 23-year-old has joined his new club after completing his contract with Stormers and Western Province in South Africa and then starring for Scotland in the autumn Test series, scoring a try in each of the games against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

Jones will be up against the coach who gave him his Scotland debut as, Vern Cotter, in what is a game the Warriors need a bonus-point win from to keep their Pool 3 hopes alive after losses to Exeter and Leinster.

Jones partners Sam Johnson in the midfield outside of half-back pairing Ali Price and Finn Russell.

With Stuart Hogg out injured, Ruaridh Jackson starts at full-back with Leo Sarto and Tommy Seymour either side of him.

Ryan Wilson captains the side from blindside with Callum Gibbins and Samu Vunisa completing the back-row.

Jonny Gray and Zander Fagerson are included for the first time since their international involvement. They are joined by Jamie Bhatti, George Turner and Scott Cummings in the tight-five.

On the bench Siua Halanukonuka, Kiran McDonald, Matt Smith and George Horne are all in line to make their European debuts.

Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie said: “It was a really tough team to pick. So many boys have put their hands up in recent weeks and it is a testament to our strength in depth that the coaches had a bit of a headache choosing the 23.

“Huw (Jones) has really impressed everyone since showing up, he showed exactly what he can do for Scotland and here’s hoping that he hits the ground running for us.

“He’s one of a handful of boys making their debuts in this competition. It’s a step up but they’ve shown they’re up to the challenge and it’ll be a big day for them.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Montpellier in the European Rugby Champions Cup at Scotstoun, Friday 8 December, Live on Sky Sports (kick-off 7.45pm). Glasgow Warriors appearances and Champions Cup appearances in brackets:

15. Ruaridh Jackson (124) (32)

14. Leonardo Sarto (16) (9)

13. Huw Jones (0) (0)

12. Sam Johnson (33) (9)

11. Tommy Semour (107) (28)

10. Finn Russell (70) (21)

9. Ali Price (48) (12)

1. Jamie Bhatti (16) (2)

2. George Turner (11) (2)

3. Zander Fagerson (58) (15)

4. Scott Cummings (28) (3)

5. Jonny Gray (77) (23)

6. Ryan Wilson (135) (23) [Captain]

7. Callum Gibbins (9) (2)

8. Samula Vunisa (2) (7)

SUBS

16. James Malcolm (20) (2)

17. Alex Allan (61) (16)

18. Siua Halanukonuka (2) (0)

19. Kiran McDonald (2) (0)

20. Matt Smith (8) (0)

21. George Horne (8) (0)

22. Peter Horne (126) (2)

23. Niko Matawalu (82) (22)

Not available due to injury: Brian Alainu’uise (knee), Adam Ashe (ankle), Fraser Brown (concussion), Matt Fagerson (knee), Robert Harley (knee), Stuart Hogg (hip), Rory Hughes (shoulder), Pat MacArthur (hamstring), Oli Kebble (foot), Greg Peterson (ankle), Tim Swinson (hand), Ratu Tagive (achilles) and Richie Vernon (achilles).