Scotland centre Stafford McDowall agrees new Glasgow deal

McDowall has made 81 appearances – as well as crossing for 16 tries – for the Warriors to date, since making his debut against the Southern Kings at Scotstoun in 2017.

He has become an integral part of the squad under head coach Franco Smith, with McDowall's career restarted by the South African's arrival at Scotstoun. 

Last season, he played in 17 of Glasgow’s 18 regular-season United Rugby Championship (URC) matches before missing out on the play-offs through injury as Smith's side clinched the league title. 

Stafford McDowall in action for Scotland (Image: SNS) McDowall was also voted the club's Players’ Player of the Season. 

His form at club level saw the 26-year-old earn his Scotland debut against Italy in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match last summer, and he captained the side to the Autumn Nations Series win over Portugal this month. 

He follows fellow centre Sione Tuipulotu in signing new terms at Scotstoun. 

“I’m really pleased to renew my contract," McDowall told the club's website. 

“It’s the club that I grew up supporting and a club that I take great pride in representing on and off the field.

“I’m loving my rugby here. The brand of rugby we play is a really exciting one, and its one that I hope the fans enjoy watching as much as we enjoy playing.

“Taking on a leadership role is also definitely something I’ve enjoyed in the last year or two. There are so many great leaders at the club currently, which really helps to drive the standards within the club.

Stafford McDowall captained Scotland against Portugal (Image: SNS)

“I want to play my part in helping this group defend the URC title, beginning this Friday, as well as help push us forward to challenge in Europe as well. I can’t wait to get back out there on Friday night if selected.”

After losing fellow Scotland international Tom Jordan to Bristol Bears, Smith was pleased to have secured McDowall's services. 

The Glasgow head coach said: “Stafford has developed into a key leader in our playing group, and is someone who regularly drives our standards and our values on and off the field.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith (Image: SNS) “His skillset enables him to contribute effectively both in attack and defence, whilst also bringing out the best in the players around him.

“He has fully bought into the journey that we are on as a club, and is fully committed to helping this group achieve its potential.”