GLASGOW WARRIORS will kick-off the 2022-23 season by hosting Worcester at the Caledonian Stadium on Friday 2nd September [kick-off 7.30pm]. The club will play its other pre-season friendly against Ulster at Scotstoun Stadium the following Friday [9th September, kick-off 7.30pm].
This will be the first time a professional rugby match has been played at the home of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, since Caledonian Reds played Edinburgh there back in 2000. It will also be the first time that the club has taken a home game on the road since 2018, when the Warriors faced Harlequins in Perth.
The fixture will be part of Highland Rugby Club’s centenary year celebrations.
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Glasgow and Worcester most recently met at Sixways Stadium last September, where two tries from Rufus McLean saw the team record a 27-22 away-win.
“We’re delighted to be taking our first pre-season fixture of the 2022/23 season to Inverness,” said Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock. “We have a passionate group of fans in the North of Scotland who we’re looking forward to putting on this game for. We will be up earlier in the week and as well as preparing for the game will work closely with Highland RFC to deliver sessions to the local rugby community.
“We also look forward to using this week to connect with our commercial partners who have a presence in the north of Scotland. A huge part of our partnerships are driven through engagement with staff and customers, therefore, this is a great opportunity to further strengthen this area.
“In terms of our competition in these two pre-season fixtures, Worcester Warriors and Ulster are quality sides for us to test ourselves against ahead of the new season. These matches will be the first games for our new head coach, once they are appointed, to make their mark, and for our fans it will be a first chance to see our new signings in action.”
Inverness Caledonian Thistle CEO, Scot Gardiner, added: “Everyone at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is proud to be playing a part in celebrating the centenary of Highland Rugby and to support the innovative thinking of Glasgow Warriors in taking a home game, indeed a professional fixture on the road, to Inverness.
“The partnership with Glasgow Warriors and Highland Rugby is a creative venture and fits perfectly into our ongoing plans to help bolster our business and widen the exposure and presence in the community of ICTFC.
“We look forward to giving a real Highland welcome to rugby fans from all over the country, but especially those from Glasgow and Worcester.”
Highland Rugby Club President, Graham Findlater, said: “Highland RFC is delighted to welcome both Glasgow Warriors and Worcester Warriors to Inverness, as we celebrate our club centenary. Thank you to Inverness Caledonian Thistle for making the stadium available for the match and to everyone involved in the considerable planning for the game.
“I encourage all rugby supporters in the local area and further afield, to buy tickets for the game and come to Inverness to watch what is sure to be a great game of rugby.”
The on-sale date for these matches will be communicated in due course, with Season Ticket and Warrior Nation Members receiving access to a pre-sale window for the match against Worcester Warriors in Inverness. This match is not included in Season Ticket Memberships.
The temporary East and West stands at Scotstoun Stadium will not be in situ for the match against Ulster.
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Great news! I’ll be grabbing a ticket. Gotta love Friday night footy.
It would probably be a more even match if Glasgow played Inverness at Gloucester.
Sorry “Rugby Fan” feels that way but it’s good news for those of us in the north. I’m sure the central belt can spare 1 pre season friendly versus all the test, URC, European and Super 6 fixtures.
Totally agree… it’s rare we ever see any rugby up this way. I for one am looking forward to seeing one of our two teams play at the notorious ‘dump’
Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for Glasgow fans. Season tickets up, no head coach then two glamour pre-season matches arranged. One at the furthest away ground in Scotland on a Friday night (Good for local rugby fans). The other against a team that they will be playing in the weeks ahead anyway in the league. Well done Warriors!!!
Surely Glasgow playing many miles from the city is a blessing at the moment?