What do Glasgow need to do in wake of Champions Cup exit?

[BBC]

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your questions as Glasgow try to pick up the pieces after their Champions Cup exit and Edinburgh attempt to finish a poor season with some wins.

Ali asked: It does seem that once again Glasgow have been very unlucky with injuries at crucial times and in crucial positions. Clearly some strengthening is required to combat both this and the departures. Where do you feel they need the most fundamental impact to improve? I have heard one rumour that is very interesting if it proves to be accurate.

Tom answered: Glasgow's depth chart is impressive, thanks to Franco Smith's astute coaching and the trust he has in young players. They've been very, very unlucky with all the injuries to their locks. That's a freakish situation to have Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Alex Craig and Max Williamson all out. It cost them a place in the Champions Cup semi-final in my view.

The main area where they have to strengthen is at 10. Adam Hastings is leaving and so you have Dan Lancaster, Charlie Savala and Matthew Urwin. Clearly, that's not enough to fight battles on two fronts over the course of a long season. Savala has a worrying injury profile and Urwin is only getting started in the professional game. They need an experienced fly-half as a priority.

Maybe a heavy hitter is required to replace Jack Dempsey, but they have plenty of bodies who can play across the back-row.

Colin asked: With Glasgow having developed hybrid players who play in more than one position, is it time to develop players who can fill in at scrum-half given the current loss of our two first choice number 9s? It is a specialist position, but so is lock, flanker and winger. Each has its own specific responsibilities.

Tom answered: They were deeply unfortunate to lose George Horne and Jamie Dobie for that quarter-final. Ben Afshar is a good player but Horne is a hard act to follow. You could go to the market and spend a lot of money and you still might not find one as good as him. Jack Oliver needs to get game-time. They're OK at nine, Glasgow. Four is enough.

Ethan asked: Yes, the Glasgow loss was disappointing but is it really as apocalyptic as I've seen some claim? Yes, Glasgow has lost a chance at European glory but considering how young the overall squad is, surely we should be taking more of the positives from it and see it as building further depth to minimise a repeat in the future if there's another injury crisis?