Glasgow will feel the loss of veteran fly-half Craig Chalmers, who has moved to Worcester, but should benefit from Tommy Hayes' growing confidence at No 10.

The side will also benefit from the introduction of 23-year-old fullback Graeme Kiddie, who joined Glasgow last season but never made it onto the field because of injury.

Coach Richie Dixon has moved to strengthen his pack with the addition of Wallaby prop Cameron Blades from the New South Wales Waratahs.

Scottish qualified second row Nathan Ross has also been recruited from Australia.

The pair will join a committed pack that should be competitive, and has at openside flanker one of the rising stars of the Scottish game in the all-action Donald McFadyn.

Wing Shaun Longstaff has been released to join French side Castres, where he joins fellow Scot Gregor Townsend.

Like Edinburgh, Glasgow will have to play out of their skins if they are to escape the pool stages of the Heineken Cup, as Cardiff, Northampton and Monferrand stand in their way.