Glasgow Warriors: Stafford McDowall extends contract

Scotland centre Stafford McDowall has become the latest player to pledge his future to Glasgow Warriors by extending his contract at Scotstoun.

The 26-year-old has made 81 appearances – scoring 16 tries – for the Warriors since his professional debut against the Southern Kings in 2017.

McDowall played a key role in Glasgow’s 2023-24 United Rugby Championship title victory and won the Players’ Player of the Season award.

He made his Scotland debut prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Italy at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and was co-captain in July’s win over Canada and captain against Portugal earlier this month.

“I’m really pleased to renew my contract,” he told the club’s website.

“It’s the club 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!”

Head coach Franco Smith added: “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.

“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.”