Glasgow Warriors provide update on Franco Smith ahead of Lions clash

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors received some good news ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Six clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Scottish club confirmed that Franco Smith’s visa has finally been confirmed.

Glasgow arrived in South Africa last week minus their head coach due “visa delays”, which meant that attack coach Nigel Carolan had to take responsibility on the ground for their match against the Sharks in Durban last weekend.

The Scottish side lost that match 12-40.

“The club is pleased to confirm that Franco Smith’s visa has been confirmed,” Glasgow said in Tuesday’s statement.

“The club will now begin work to understand the best course of action for the head coach to aid in the club’s preparations ahead of Saturday’s game against the Lions and the club’s game against Benetton on Friday, October 28.

“A number of factors are being taken into account including travel logistics for Franco, the squad’s departure to Johannesburg on Friday evening ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game, and to mitigate further exposure to the ongoing gastric infection that has affected a significant number of the travelling squad.

“Franco Smith is in constant contact with the squad and coaching staff in South Africa.”

📰 The club is pleased to confirm that Franco Smith’s visa has been confirmed.

The club will now begin work to understand the best course of action for the Head Coach to aid in the club’s preparations ahead of our upcoming fixtures.

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— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 18, 2022