Brown signs up for more with Glasgow Warriors

Fraser Brown said it was a straightforward decision to put pen to paper on a new contract with Glasgow Warriors, after the hooker committed his immediate future to the Scotstoun outfit ahead of Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Dublin.

The 32-year-old has become a mainstay at hooker for both club and country since first arriving at Scotstoun a decade ago, making 140 appearances for the club to date since his debut back in 2013.

No forward has scored more tries in Glasgow Warriors colours than Brown, whose try in last month’s Plaster It Purple victory over the Scarlets saw him move on to 25 tries in black and blue.

The hooker has been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s professional history, helping the team to Guinness PRO12 title success in 2014/15, a first-ever European quarter-final in 2016/17 – scoring a try in the 42-13 dismantling of Leicester Tigers at Scotstoun – and this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final.

Brown reached a century of Glasgow Warriors appearances in style in August 2020, crossing for a try and claiming Player of the Match honours in victory over Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield.

The former Heriot’s man’s leadership abilities also saw him serve as co-captain alongside Ryan Wilson from 2020 to 2022, his performances typifying his leadership style as he led from the front with and without the ball.

His form for Franco Smith’s squad has caught the eye of observers both within the Scottish rugby community and from further afield, crossing for nine tries in 16 appearances to date and recording a lineout success percentage of 92% in the BKT URC this season.

Brown has also earned 61 caps for his country to date, representing Scotland at both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup and captaining the men in blue for the first time in an Autumn Nations Series win over Georgia in November 2020.

“For me, it was a pretty simple decision really,” Brown told glasgowwarriors.org.

“This is the best place for me to enjoy my rugby and coming to work day in, day out, and it’s the best decision for my family. As soon as the offer came through, it was a straightforward choice for me.

“The way we’ve been playing and training here, as well as the atmosphere when you come in every day and even down to the way we review each match, it gives you a real sense of freshness and it’s a brilliant place to play rugby. There’s still so much more to come from this group, too, and I feel in a really great spot physically and mentally.

“We want to finish this season on a high, and it’s important to have something tangible at the end of this campaign. For everyone associated with this club, from the players to the backroom team to the Warrior Nation, Friday is a big occasion, and we’re determined to go out there and do ourselves justice.”

Head Coach Smith added: “Fraser is a model professional, and is someone who embodies what it means to be a Glasgow Warrior.

“His performances this season have shown exactly what he brings to this group of players and he is someone who consistently drives our standards and looks to get the best out of himself and others.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with him and continuing on the journey together.”