Ventisei signs professional contract with Glasgow Warriors

The 20-year-old follows fellow talents Jack Oliver, Macenzzie Duncan and Matthew Urwin in graduating to the senior squad ahead of the new campaign, having come through the ranks at GHA and St Aloysius College before joining the Glasgow Warriors academy.

Ventisei made an instant impression on the Warrior Nation during his professional debut, starting at outside centre in Saturday’s 38-17 victory over Leinster at a sold-out Scotstoun and playing his part in two of the club’s six tries on the night.

The centre served as captain of Scotland U20 throughout 2025, leading the men in blue during both the U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.

Ventisei was also a gold medallist at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, joining club-mates Urwin and Fergus Watson in helping Scotland to an historic success in rugby sevens.

“I’m over the moon,” a grinning Ventisei told glasgowwarriors.org in the aftermath of his debut.

“To be able to sign my first pro contract with my boyhood club is beyond special – it’s a real dream come true.

“It’s been a surreal week to be honest! When Franco told me I was going to be starting against Leinster, I couldn’t believe it. I grew up watching some fierce, competitive matches here against Leinster, so to be able to pull on the shirt and run out in front of a packed house at Scotstoun was something I’ll never forget.

“It’s been unbelievable to learn from the group of centres here. For me, I think we’ve got three of the best centres in the world in Stafford [McDowall], Sione [Tuipulotu] and Huw [Jones], so to be able to watch them and see how they operate at the highest level is a priceless opportunity for me and the other young guys here.

“Franco and the coaches have been superb, as well. From the minute we all got here and came into the academy a couple of years ago, he’s been so good with us and making it feel like a unified squad – there’s no real line between academy and senior squad, it feels like we’re all one group. The confidence the coaches have shown in me is amazing and I’m determined to repay that faith.”

Head Coach Smith welcomed the news, adding: “Johnny has worked hard to put himself in the best position possible to earn a professional contract, and you can see what being a Warrior means to him in the way he applies himself.

“He is keen to learn from those around him, be that the coaching team or our group of centres here at Scotstoun, and he stood up well against a strong Leinster midfield on his first outing for us.

“We’re excited to see him continue to develop, and he is someone we believe will be a real asset to this club.”