Glasgow Warriors coach Gregor Townsend has declared himself satisfied with his squad as the new Guinness Pro12 campaign edges closer.

Warriors went down 28-10 on Friday to an experienced Clermont Auvergne side at the Auvergne Challenge in Issoire.

But Townsend has hailed the game as a vital stepping stone to ensuring his players are in good nick as they get set to defend their Pro12 crown.

The opening clash with Scarlets is now less than three weeks away.

And the Scotstoun head coach is already delighted with the way his squad is shaping up following the week-long summer camp in France.

He is especially pleased with how the new arrivals have blended in with the number of youngsters pushing their way into contention for a starting jersey this season

Rory Clegg, Grayson Hart, Kieran Low and Jason Hill made their debuts for the club on Friday night after being named in the starting XV, with a number of players also debuting from the bench, including Italian international Simone Favaro.

Junior Bulumakau, who is currently on trial from the British Army, made his first appearance on the right wing and scored the Warriors only try in the second half from 30 metres out, handing off a defender before darting towards the line and dotting down.

Clermont ultimately triumphed though, notching four tries with a side possessing household names such as Aurélien Rougerie and Hosea Gear.

Townsend said: “It was a really useful exercise but we’re obviously disappointed we didn’t win and didn’t convert the pressure we had in the first half hour when we were in control.

“To train against Clermont during the week, who are a top side, and then to play against them has really helped our preparations for the season.

“It was really pleasing to see trialist, Junior Bulumakau in action and he scored an amazing try starting with a strong fend, lovely movement and then a really strong finish.

“All the players got to play tonight which is great for their fitness and also their learning from a rugby perspective.”

The match saw BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 players Nick Grigg, Ali Price, Scott Cummings, Robbie Fergusson and Andrew Davidson come off the bench and play their part with Townsend pleased by how they fared against experienced opposition.

“There were great individual performances and some impressive contributions were made, whether it was the young guys or players who have signed from other clubs.

“At one stage we had a front row comprising of Fergus Scott, D’arcy Rae and George Hunter, who have all come through the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 programme.

“It was a great experience from them and in the dying moments we nearly scored following a move with some lovely offloading from Andrew Davidson, Scott Cummings and Zander Fagerson.

“I was also really pleased with the set piece. Zander (Fagerson) and D’arcy (Rae) went up against international players and did well.”

Townsend is now eagerly anticipating the next pre-season match against Canada on Saturday, August 29, before the season gets underway.

He said: “It’s been a great week as we’ve had time to bond as a squad as well as having two hit-outs with Clermont Auvergne.

"I really want to thank the club for what they’ve done for us. They start their championship next week and I’m sure tonight’s game was good preparation for them.”