Glasgow's Dobie and Jones closing in on returns ahead of URC semi-final against Bulls

Glasgow Warriors are edging closer to a full squad for their United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls next Saturday, with assistant coach Nigel Carolan confirming that scrum-half Jamie Dobie and centre Huw Jones are both in contention to feature.

Carolan, speaking at a press conference on Monday, said the Warriors’ injury picture is clearing at exactly the right moment in their bid for a second URC title in three seasons. Lock Scott Cummings returned to the field last week, Jones is back in training, and Dobie is described as “very close” to a return after his own injury absence.

“I said this when we got to the final two years ago, it comes down to two things: momentum and a full deck,” Carolan said. “I think what we’ve built over the last three games is that little bit of momentum. Even our game there in the quarter-final against Connacht, it was a really good opportunity for us to get battle-hardened. We’ve got guys coming back at a crucial time.”

When asked directly whether Dobie and Jones could feature against the South Africans on Saturday, Carolan was cautiously optimistic. “Definitely. There are one or two boxes that still need to be ticked off. Maybe that won’t be done today but maybe as we progress through the week.”

The potential return of Dobie is made more pressing by a hand injury to fellow scrum-half George Horne, sustained during Friday’s quarter-final win over Connacht. Carolan moved quickly to play down concerns over Horne, however, insisting the player is determined to be available. “I’d say if George lost his two arms and one of his legs, he’d still want to play at the weekend. He won’t train today, he’s just a little bit bruised but we’re going to give him every chance to get back for Saturday.”

Carolan added that having both scrum-halves fit would give Glasgow a significant boost. “When you’ve got George on the field and Jamie Dobie, they’re two of the best at what they do. To have one or both of them on the field with us will give us the best chance of success.”

The only players Carolan confirmed as unavailable are long-term absentees Gregor Brown and Alex Craig. Head coach Franco Smith has also highlighted the advantage of playing in relatively familiar surroundings for the semi-final against the Bulls.