
Glasgow Warriors secured a dominant 47-10 victory over Zebre in the United Rugby Championship (URC), with Duncan Weir marking his final appearance for the club in memorable fashion. The veteran fly-half, a two-time URC champion with Glasgow, came off the bench in the second half and finished the game with a try and three conversions, capping off a distinguished playing career before moving into coaching.
“It was a special moment for Duncan to finish his Glasgow career with a try,” said head coach Franco Smith. “The young players were outstanding, and it was the perfect farewell.”
Early Glasgow Dominance
Glasgow set the tone from the outset, demonstrating precision, pace, and clinical finishing. A rolling line-out maul was expertly executed, with scrum-half Ben Afshar peeling off to draw in the defense and pop inside for Stafford McDowall to glide over untouched for the first try.
Full-back Ollie Smith showcased his electric speed and footwork, slicing through Zebre’s defensive line to score under the posts, giving Glasgow a commanding early lead.
Despite Zebre’s first-half try from Giulio Bertaccini, hooker Seb Stephen finished a powerful driving maul to re-establish a 19-5 half-time advantage for the home side.
Second-Half Flourish
Zebre made a brief impact in the second half when Giovanni Quattrini scored from another rolling maul, but Glasgow’s attacking sophistication quickly regained control.
- Jamie Dobie scored two tries, including a lightning-fast chip and chase finished under pressure.
- Gregor Hiddleston added a fifth try after a strong maul move.
- Duncan Weir, entering as a substitute, scored his farewell try in style, assisted by Dobie’s searing run up the touchline.
- Dobie completed his brace to round off Glasgow’s eight-try performance, securing the bonus point.
Weir also converted three kicks, including one from the touchline, demonstrating his composure and technical skill one last time for the club.
“It’s fantastic to see the young guys performing so well while giving Duncan a memorable send-off,” added Smith.
Player Highlights
- Duncan Weir: Try, three conversions; final game before moving into coaching.
- Jamie Dobie: Two tries, key playmaker for the backline.
- Ollie Smith: Early try and constant threat in attack.
- Stafford McDowall & Seb Stephen: First-half tries setting up Glasgow’s dominance.
The match also highlighted Glasgow’s strength in maul execution, precision in backline moves, and the ability to manage games against opposition rolling mauls.
Implications for Glasgow Warriors
The win moves Glasgow Warriors to second place in the URC, consolidating their position in the top-tier United Rugby Championship table and building momentum ahead of upcoming fixtures. The team’s blend of youth and experience, exemplified by Weir’s farewell appearance, underlines the depth of talent available to coach Franco Smith.
Zebre, meanwhile, were unable to match Glasgow’s intensity and finish, falling further behind in the league standings.
Match Statistics
- Final Score: Glasgow Warriors 47–10 Zebre
- Tries: Glasgow – McDowall, Smith, Stephen, Dobie 2, Hiddleston, Weir; Zebre – Bertaccini, Quattrini
- Conversions: Weir 3, Hastings 2, Lancaster 1
- Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
- Competition: United Rugby Championship


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