Bhatti signs contract extension with Glasgow Warriors

Jamie Bhatti has given Glasgow Warriors a further boost ahead of Friday night’s pivotal Investec Champions Cup clash with Toulon at Scotstoun, after the loose-head prop put pen to paper on a new contract with the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The 30-year-old – who was included in the Scotland squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations earlier this week – has become an integral part of the Glasgow pack since returning to the club in 2021, with the new extension keeping him at Scotstoun until at least the summer of 2026.

His form for the club in 2022/23 saw the prop nominated for the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Season prize, playing a key role in the club’s run to the EPCR Challenge Cup Final and BKT United Rugby Championship playoffs.

Having initially made his professional debut for the club in November 2016, Bhatti made 47 appearances during his first spell at Scotstoun, helping the Warriors to two European quarter-finals and the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final at Celtic Park.

An 18-month stint at Edinburgh and a short-term loan deal with Bath then followed, before the prop returned to Scotstoun ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Bhatti’s two tries in Glasgow colours to date came in consecutive matches during the 2021/22 campaign, scoring in back-to-back home wins over the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions in October 2021.

In addition to 98 appearances for the Warriors so far in his professional career, the Hillfoots RFC product has represented Scotland on 34 occasions to date, including at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Away from rugby, Bhatti is currently in the process of qualifying for his private pilot’s licence.

“It was a very easy decision [to re-sign], really,” Bhatti told glasgowwarriors.org.

“When the discussions first started over the summer, it was a no-brainer to be honest. I really enjoyed my season under Franco and the coaches last year, and I’m really happy with where I am. That’s the main thing for me – I love being part of this club.

“I wouldn’t say there’s ever an easy day at work here – training is tough! – but this club makes it so easy to enjoy your rugby. Glasgow’s home for me, and I never really wanted to look elsewhere.

“For me personally, I want to make sure my performances are of as consistently high a level as they can be. I want to play well and help this team win some silverware, and I truly believe we can do that.”

Head Coach Franco Smith added: “Jamie is someone for whom representing this club means a great deal, and we’re very pleased that he has renewed his contract with us.

“He strives to become better every day, and drive to become the best version of himself is a real asset to this club.

“He’s someone who gives his all every time he runs out for both club and country, and we look forward to continuing to work with him over the next couple of seasons.”