Glasgow Warriors Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Portugal Match

Glasgow Warriors forwards Jack Dempsey, Max Williamson and Gregor Brown will miss Scotland’s upcoming match against Portugal on Saturday. In response, Gregor Townsend’s squad has called up hooker Johnny Matthews and prop Alex Hepburn to fill their spots. Dempsey, who started in Sunday’s loss to South Africa sustained a shoulder injury which rules him out.

Meanwhile, Williamson suffered a hand injury after stepping in early for Scott Cummings, who earned a red card. Brown, who did not play against South Africa, continues to struggle with a rib injury. Notably, Matthews, who did not make the initial squad despite his strong form for Glasgow, now rejoins the team. Hepburn, a 31-year-old prop with four caps for Scotland, steps in to cover the gaps left by the injured forwards.

Scotland will host Portugal at Murrayfield on Saturday for their second match in the Autumn Series with a final fixture against Australia scheduled for November 24. After their disappointing 30-15 loss to South Africa during which Cummings received a red card for a ruck infringement, the team aims to regroup. Cummings faces an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday to determine his suspension.

As they prepare for Portugal, Scotland’s coaching staff continues to adjust the squad, hoping to rebound from their opening defeat. This match offers the Glasgow Warriors a crucial opportunity to regain momentum before they face the Wallabies later this month.