Rory Clegg thrown straight into Glasgow team

Returning Glasgow fly-half Rory Clegg has been thrown straight into Gregor Townsend's side for Friday night's Guinness Pro12 clash with Leinster at Scotstoun.

The 26-year-old spent three months with the Warriors earlier this season as he provided extra cover during the World Cup period.

But the former England Under-20 cap has now re-signed for Townsend's outfit on a deal running until May 2017 after quitting French Top 14 side Oyonnax.

Clegg said: "I'm over the moon to be back in Glasgow. The style of play really suits me and I'm hopeful I can develop further now I'm back, because I enjoyed the few months that I was here earlier in the season.

"I know most of the boys and the coaches, so that should really help me hit the ground running.

"It's great to secure a longer contract with the Warriors and I want to make the most of it.

"I really like the city, the way the team play and the boys are a great bunch of lads."

Clegg's reintroduction is not the only change to the Glasgow line-up as backrowers Adam Ashe and Tyrone Holmes both return to fitness.

Ashe starts at number eight after recovering from a shoulder injury, while Holmes is named among the replacements following a three-month spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Peter Murchie retains his place at full-back, with Lee Jones and Rory Hughes continuing on either wing.

Mark Bennett once again wears the number 13 jersey, with Sam Johnson coming in for Alex Dunbar at inside centre.

Former Harlequins and Newcastle stand-off Clegg starts in place of Duncan Weir, who is away with Scotland, while Grayson Hart replaces Henry Pyrgos at scrum-half.

In the pack Gordon Reid and Fraser Brown once again start at loose-head and at hooker respectively, with Sila Puafisi coming in for Zander Fagerson at tight-head.

Leone Nakarawa moves back into the engine room to partner United States international Greg Peterson.

James Eddie comes in for Rob Harley at blindside flanker, Simone Favaro replaces Chris Fusaro at open-side and Ashe completes the back row.

Townsend said: "We're really looking forward to facing Leinster at a sold-out Scotstoun tomorrow night.

"We've had some great battles with them over the years and they have being playing well during the Six Nations window.

"They have always set very high standards and continue to deliver a high level of performance, whichever team they put out on the field ."