The United Rugby Championship is set to commence another season, and for Scotland’s two professional teams, the 2025/26 campaign represents a pivotal moment. Glasgow Warriors enter as established contenders, eager to regain the form that led them to victory in 2024 and propelled them to the semi-finals last year. In contrast, Edinburgh Rugby is in a phase of reconstruction following a challenging off-season, yet they are determined to demonstrate their ability to compete with the top teams in the league.
Overarching this scenario is the formidable presence of Leinster, who decisively defeated the Bulls 32–7 in the previous season’s Grand Final at Croke Park, reaffirming their status as the dominant force in the URC. Leinster has set the standard; it is now the responsibility of Glasgow and Edinburgh to pursue them.
Glasgow Warriors: From Unexpected Champions to Unyielding Contenders
Glasgow’s stunning title victory in 2024 against the Bulls in Pretoria remains one of the most celebrated achievements in Scottish club rugby. It demonstrated that a Scottish team could triumph over the South African powerhouses on their home turf and maintain composure on the grandest stage. However, last season, the Warriors were unable to progress past the semi-finals against Leinster – a stark reminder that achieving success in the URC demands unwavering consistency, not
merely flashes of brilliance.
What They Offer
Attacking prowess: With George Horne orchestrating play, Sione Tuipulotu slicing through defenses, and Johnny Matthews consistently finding the try line, Glasgow continues to be one of the most formidable attacking teams in the league.
Strength in the forwards: Jack Dempsey’s ability to carry the ball, coupled with Scott Cummings’ effectiveness in the lineout, provides the Warriors with the robust forward foundation necessary to contend with the powerful South African packs.
Mental fortitude: Their 2024 victory illustrated their capacity to recover from setbacks and excel under pressure – attributes that will be invaluable in the upcoming season. What They Must Address
- Leinster issue: Glasgow’s semi-final loss highlighted the disparity in control and composure when compared to the Irish powerhouses. Bridging that gap is the foremost priority.
- Discipline and consistency: Penalty counts and defensive errors have resulted in losses of matches they ought to have secured.
- Integration of staff changes: With Roddy Grant joining the coaching staff, Franco Smith must guarantee continuity and clarity.
Edinburgh Rugby: Rebuilding with Dignity
While Glasgow sharpens its focus on trophies, Edinburgh enters the season with a different outlook. The summer witnessed numerous departures – none more impactful than former captain Jamie
Ritchie and key player Emiliano Boffelli. For head coach Sean Everitt, the challenge lies not only in replacing star talent but also in redefining Edinburgh’s identity.
Where They Can Compete
- Set-piece strength: With Gilchrist, Skinner, Sykes, and Young in the second row, Edinburgh’s lineout remains one of their most formidable assets.
- Scrum stability: A robust front row, enhanced by new signings, provides them with the foundation to dominate teams.
- New opportunities: New additions like Dylan Richardson and Piers O’Conor may not yet be well-known, but they bring enthusiasm and ambition.
The Risks
- Creativity in the backs: In the absence of Boffelli or Matt Scott, Edinburgh risks lacking a decisive edge in their attack.
- Leadership gap: Ritchie’s absence at the breakdown is not merely tactical; his influence will be greatly missed.
- Away-day challenges: Their home performance is commendable, but unless they begin to secure victories consistently on the road, playoff qualification will remain elusive.
Final Word
The 2025/26 URC season promises to test Scotland’s rugby resolve. Glasgow Warriors, already proven champions, are desperate to climb back to the summit. Edinburgh Rugby, bruised but rebuilding, are out to prove their relevance on a stage dominated by Irish and South African giants. The league may stretch across continents, but for Scottish fans, the narrative begins at Hampden, flows through Murrayfield, and burns brightest whenever the M8 derby rolls around. One team dreams
of another star on their jersey; the other dreams of proving it can still shine.
