Ayrshire Bulls will be boosted by some international experience in the key stand-off slot when they attempt to get their Super Series Championship campaign back on track against Stirling Wolves at Bridgehaugh tonight.
Ross Thompson has been released by Glasgow Warriors to get some much-needed game-time following an injury-ravaged 2022-23 season, and he will step into a Bulls side with a point to prove following last week’s home loss to Watsonians in round one of this tournament.
Grant Stewart – another Scotland international who was competing for World Cup selection this time four years ago but dropped out the pro game back in March – returns from injury at hooker for the Bulls.
"It’s a short turnaround this week and we are looking for a reaction after a disappointing result against Watsonians," said Bulls head coach Pat MacArthur. "We know Stirling recruited well and we’ll need to take our opportunities when they come. The players trained well this week and we'll look to carry that into the game on Friday."
Wolves – who had a bye in round one – are also bolstered by the release from Warriors of a Scotland internationalist with Allan Dell starting at loose-head prop.
Meanwhile, over in the east, Watsonians are looking to double-up on that opening weekend triumph when they host a Southern Knights side who will also be buoyed by their first win in almost a year against the FOSROC Future XV at the Greenyards last weekend.
The Myreside men should have too much firepower for the Borderers but head coach Nikki Walker is taking nothing for granted.
“We all realise there are lots of improvements still to be made,” he said. “Southern Knights will be very confident after their win and performance last week while we are fully aware of the threats they will pose."
The other Super Series match this weekend sees Boroughmuir Bears host the Future XV tomorrow evening.
