BACK ROW
6. Rob Harley (Glasgow 2010-2022)
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh: 2011-)
8. John Barclay (Glasgow: 2005-2013 / Edinburgh: 2018-2020)
Starting off our back-row is Glasgow stalwart Rob Harley, who holds the honour of being the club’s all-time leading appearence holder. The flanker made a career in Glasgow with his unrelenting work-rate, and how he left his opponents on the deck with a well-timed hit. Ending his time in Scotland with a phenomenal 267 Glasgow caps, Harley would first move to Carcassonne in the French second division, before heading stateside and joining Old Glory DC.
One of the most popular Scotland players ever comes in on the openside, with Hamish Watson donning our seven jersey. The ‘Mish’ is adored by the Edinburgh faithful, whether he is running out for his club or country in tartan and blue. The 2021 Six Nations Player of the Tournament rose to prominence with fearless performances for Edinburgh, with his debut now an archaic memory from nearly 13 years ago. With an excellent tackle technique and amongst the world’s best over the jackal, Watson tends to come away unscathed from danger, and reaping the plaudits for his side.
Rounding off our starting XV is John Barclay, who is one of several former Scotland captains named amongst the squad. The former Glasgow and Edinburgh man was as tough as they come in the carry, and would batter his way through the gain-line, leaving his opponents bruised on the deck. Most prominently a Warrior, Barclay was Glasgow’s youngest ever player when he made his debut, aged just 18-years and 41-days old. Following his retirement, Barclay is still seen amongst the rugby landscape, as he offers punditry during Scotland matches.