AS he prepared Glasgow Warriors to take on Munster in the Guinness Pro-12 match at plastic-surfaced Rugby Park tonight, coach Gregor Townsend broke off from training to say he was “very confident” that Warriors will have their own artificial pitch at Scotstoun next season.
The Pro-12 champions’ match against the Irish province was switched to Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park as Scotstoun is again unplayable due to the weather – the third time this year Glasgow have changed venue for a home fixture.
“Discussions are at an advanced stage and we hope to announce something very soon,” said Townsend yesterday.
“I’m very confident that we will have an artificial pitch in place at Scotstoun for the start of next season.
“Scotstoun is unplayable and has been for a number of weeks. There is a guarantee when you come to a 3G or 4G pitch that you can play.
“I’ve been speaking to football managers this week. Football actually want a wetter pitch, they want the ball to move along the pitch quicker.
“Obviously their pitch isn’t damaged as much by scrums and heavy people on them.
“We would love to play on grass pitches like a bowling green all year round but that doesn’t happen. The alternative for us are 3G pitches.”
Four current Scotland internationalists have been drafted into Glasgow’s team to face Munster in this fallow weekend in the RBS 6 Nations – Sean Lamont, Gordon Reid, Tim Swinson and Duncan Weir were all recalled from Scotland squad duty.
A fifth Scotland squad member, Zander Fagerson, is on the bench for tonight’s Rugby Park clash.
Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro comes in along with number eight Josh Strauss, while hooker James Malcolm is set to make his first Guinness Pro12 start.
Another hooker, Cammy Fenton, could make his debut from the bench.
Townsend, said: “It’s our first home game for a few weeks, against one of our contenders for a play-off spot, so it’s an important match for us.
“Munster are one of the top teams in the league, so we’re well aware of the challenge we face at Rugby Park. It’s great to include Cammy Fenton in a matchday squad for the first time, while we’ve been boosted by the return of some of our Scotland players.”
There was good news for Edinburgh wing Tom Brown ahead of his side’s Guinness Pro12 trip to face Ospreys, as he has signed a one-year contract extension.
The 25-year-old will make his 84th appearance for the club at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.
Brown said: “I’m delighted that I’ve managed to settle another deal with Edinburgh, and can look forward to another year at the club.
“On a personal note, I’m an Edinburgh boy and it’s always been a dream to represent the club, so it’s great that I can now look forward to next season at BT Murrayfield.”
Scrum-half Sean Kennedy and winger Dougie Fife come in, while Allan Dell replaces Rory Sutherland at loose-head. Flanker Jamie Ritchie comes in for Mike Coman, who is ruled out with an injured calf.
Lock Grant Gilchrist is included on the bench after recovering from a groin injury.
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