Former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie is finally set to make his Glasgow Warriors debut this weekend, with assistant coach Nigel Carolan stating the time has come to "unleash" the flanker. Ritchie, 30, is expected to feature in Saturday's match against Benetton in Treviso.
The ex-Edinburgh player joined Glasgow from French club Perpignan in the summer but has been out of action for the initial months of the season due to ankle and Achilles tendon problems. Carolan confirmed Ritchie is now back in full training and has integrated well into the team's systems.
Carolan added that the club prioritised getting the timing right for Ritchie's return, especially after his summer surgery. The 63-cap international's involvement is seen as a positive step, particularly ahead of Scotland's Nations Cup in a few weeks.
Glasgow Warriors are currently second in the United Rugby Championship table after three matches. Ritchie's arrival on a two-year deal was part of the squad's evolution over the summer, following their top finish in the URC last season and semi-final play-off exit.