Nicol signs first pro deal with Glasgow Warriors

• 2 Jul 2018

Adam Nicol has signed a one-year professional contract with Glasgow Warriors, becoming the third player to graduate from the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy ahead of the new season.

The tight-head prop made his Warriors debut against the Ospreys during the 2016/17 season and has since gone on to make five appearances for the club.

Still only 20 years old, Nicol played for Stirling County in the BT Premiership last season and played in the club’s first ever BT Cup Final appearance on Silver Saturday.

Having represented Scotland throughout the age-grade system, Nicol was a member of the Scotland U20 squad that finished fifth at the 2017 U20 World Championships in Georgia. Also in that squad were Bruce Flockhart and Robbie Nairn, both of whom have also signed professional contracts ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Meanwhile, the club have also announced that Lewis Wynne has joined London Scottish on loan for the 2018/19 season.

The back-rower, who has made 19 appearances for the Warriors, will link up with the Greene King IPA Championship side ahead of the new campaign, with the terms of his loan deal allowing him to be recalled to Scotstoun at any time.

Speaking about his first professional contract, Adam Nicol said: “I’ve loved every minute of my involvement so far. I’ve played more than I thought I would have, but I now know what is expected from me and the game time has put me in good stead for life as a professional.

“I’ve learnt loads from the senior players and coaches already. Dave (Rennie) likes to play a fast-flowing game, so I’ve had to work on things, but I’ve enjoyed adding another aspect to my game and I’m looking forward to next season as a professional player.”

Glasgow Warriors Assistant Coach Kenny Murray said: “It’s great for us that, once again, the Academy system has produced another promising player,” said Murray.

“Adam has shown, both at U20 level and when he’s been in and around our squad, that he has great potential to play at the top level as a prop.

“There are areas of his game that he needs to develop, and we’re looking forward to getting him into our environment to help him improve.

“It’s been a tough year for Lewis (Wynne), but people should remember that it wasn’t long ago that he played 10 games on the bounce for us at the start of the season (in 2016/17), so he’s proved that he can compete at this level.

“Getting some regular game time down at London Scottish, in a league that we know to be very tough, will benefit him, and I’m sure he’ll do well down there.”