Franco Smith addresses speculation linking Glasgow with Scotland lock

Reports this week suggest the Scarlets second row is top of the Warriors list to fill the void left by Richie Gray’s impending departure – thought to be for Japan – at the end of next month.  

Read more:

• Five things we learned from Glasgow's bonus point win over Zebre

• 'A lot to work on' says Franco Smith after Glasgow beat Zebre

When asked about the reports linking Craig, who has four caps, with a move to Scotsotun after the win over Zebre on Friday, Smith replied: “I also saw that. It looked really interesting.  

“For now, I'm not going to say much about it. Let's see how it plays out." 

While Smith was clearly keen to keep his cards close to his chest about the specifics, he did admit the Warriors are in the market for a new second row to replace 2013 British and Irish Lion Gray.  

“We're going to replace Richie,” he said. 

“I think Alex [Samuel] and Max [Williamson are coming along well. Gregor [Brown] did a sterling job tonight." 

The Glasgow head coach also revealed JP du Preez, who did not feature at all last season owing to a knee injury, is expected to return in the new year.  

“That’s going to come at the right time,” Smith said.  

“Everything in life happens for a reason, and hopefully he comes through for us when we're going to need him most.” 

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith (Image: SNS) Glasgow will fly to South Africa on Tuesday ahead of facing the Sharks in Durban next Saturday, then the Stormers in Cape Town the following weekend.  

Smith plans to take a 30-strong squad for the trip, which will be Glasgow’s first return to South Africa since their United Rugby Championship (URC) win in Pretoria.  

Smith knows his side will likely face a step up in opposition during their two-week tour but believes the first four rounds of the URC campaign have prepared his team for the challenges that await.  

“We're going to face two very difficult teams,” Smith said.   

“There are some good players in both [opposition] teams.  

“So for us now to keep on growing and progressing, and also underline the work that's done in the first six weeks of the competition, it's going to be really important to not be fazed by the travel and just go at it.”