GREGOR TOWNSEND is relishing the prospect of top-class rugby returning to Scotstoun with the visit of Harlequins in a pre-season friendly.

The RaboDirect runners-up will host the Aviva Premiership side on Saturday, August 23, at 3.30pm, two weeks before the start of the new season.

Harlequins hosted the Warriors at Twickenham Stoop last summer and this year travel north after finishing fourth in the Premiership.

Townsend said: "We're looking forward to hosting Harlequins at Scotstoun for our first pre-season game.

"It was a close match between the sides last summer down in London and we're anticipating another tough game in Glasgow.

"Harlequins are a quality team with a number of internationals in their squad and they play an excellent brand of rugby.

"This is a good opportunity for our supporters to see our players go up against one of the leading sides in Europe."

Conor O'Shea's squad includes the likes of Mike Brown, Danny Care, Ugo Monye, England skipper Chris Robshaw and Nick Easter.

The Warriors have already confirmed a pre-season game with London Scottish at Richmond Athletic Ground the following Saturday, August 30, at 3pm.

Warriors season ticket members can purchase tickets for the Harlequins clash from www.glasgowwarriors.org and from the ticket office on 0844 800 3490.

The general sale of tickets will commence at 12 noon on Monday, July 14.

Meanwhile, Owen Williams has returned home to Wales after suffering a serious neck injury during a tournament in Singapore.

The Cardiff Blues and Wales international centre was hurt while playing in the inaugural World Club 10s competition eight days ago.

Williams, 22, underwent surgery the following day and was joined in Singapore by his parents and his brother.