Afshar signs first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Warriors' Ben Afshar breaks the line to score a first half try during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 17, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The 20-year-old follows Gregor Hiddleston in graduating from a partnership contract with Stirling Wolves, having impressed in his debut campaign with Franco Smith’s senior squad.

Having previously represented Scotland U20 with distinction, including co-captaining the team at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya, Afshar made his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors when coming off the bench in November’s home victory over Ulster.

He marked his first start for the club in try-scoring style last month, running in his first score in Glasgow colours as part of the 40-7 Origin Round win against the Dragons at Scotstoun.

Afshar was also a prominent figure in Stirling Wolves’ 2023 FOSROC Super Series title triumph, playing a key role in the Bridgehaugh side’s run through the playoffs.

A product of Edinburgh Accies, the scrum-half was previously coached by team-mate Jamie Dobie when studying at Merchiston Castle School.

Away from rugby, Afshar creates his own music, with his latest EP as a DJ having been released across Spotify and other platforms last week.

“I’m over the moon to be honest,” Afshar told glasgowwarriors.org.

“It’s been a bit of a crazy year – to get so much game time and experience playing for Glasgow Warriors is beyond what I’d dreamed of this year, and I’m so excited to be here for the foreseeable future.

“The environment here is top-class; I love coming in to train here, it’s such a good group of boys and the coaching group is so good at identifying areas where I can improve and feeding back to me.

“Making my debut was an unforgettable experience for me and scoring my first try against the Dragons was unbelievable – I definitely got a bit excited when I saw TJ make the break and heard the crowd roar!

“I just want to keep working hard and developing, and hopefully experiencing many more matchdays for this club.”

Head Coach Franco Smith added: “Ben has applied himself well throughout this season so far, and has taken his opportunities with both hands when they have presented themselves.

“He is a young man who is keen to learn and become the best version of himself on and off the field, continually looking to work with his peers and coaches around how to improve his game.

“We are excited by his potential and look forward to continuing to see him develop at Scotstoun.”