“Easy decision” to renew | Bhatti
Extending his contract with Glasgow Warriors was one of the simplest decisions in his professional career to date according to Jamie Bhatti, after the Scotland international became the latest player to pledge his future to the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Having returned to Scotstoun in the summer of 2021, the loose-head has picked up where he left off in Glasgow colours, re-establishing himself as an integral part of the front-row for both club and country.
Bhatti’s journey with the Warriors began in November 2016, coming off the bench against the Scarlets and quickly earning a reputation as a dynamic presence with ball in hand.
It was under Dave Rennie that the prop began to serve notice of his pedigree, his form in the early stages of the 2017/18 campaign turning heads across the then-Guinness PRO14.
The Hillfoots product was a key member of the team that reached the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final at Celtic Park, the final appearance of his first stint in Glasgow colours.
It didn’t take Bhatti long to re-introduce himself to the Warrior Nation, however; a first try for the club in October’s victory over the Cell C Sharks was followed up by his second score in as many weeks, as the prop marked his 50th appearance for the club in style against the Emirates Lions at Scotstoun.
His 61st and most recent appearance came off the bench in Friday night’s 40-12 win over Zebre Parma, as the former Stirling County and Melrose man helped his side maintain their pursuit of a home knockout tie in the United Rugby Championship.
The 28-year-old has also represented his country with distinction, winning 22 caps for Scotland so far after making his international debut against Samoa in November 2017, and recently got engaged to long-term partner Sophie.
“It was a very easy decision, really,” Bhatti told glasgowwarriors.org upon the announcement.
“As soon as I got the offer, that was it – I knew it was the right deal for me. I’ve loved being back at Scotstoun, and I’ve got a great relationship with the coaches. They back me to go out there and play well, and I’m really enjoying my rugby.
“Glasgow feels like home for me. I first moved here in 2016, and to be part of the story of this club is a real privilege. I love where I live out in the East End, I love where I play my rugby, it’s just the perfect fit for me.
“We’re in a good place in the league right now and we want to kick on and secure our place in the knockout stages. We’ve had a bit of adversity this season, but every time we’ve slipped up we’ve bounced back and our position in the league is testament to that. It’s also a testament to the squad and the coaching group, and it’s a really good environment right now.
“I want to be the best player for this club that I can be, and I want to win silverware with this team. We fell just short in 2019 before I left, so for me getting a winner’s medal with Glasgow is top of my list.”
Head Coach Danny Wilson was pleased to secure the signature of the loose-head, adding: “Jamie is hugely passionate about playing for Glasgow Warriors and we’re pleased to secure his services for the seasons to come.
“Since returning to the club he has picked back up where he left off displaying his strength at scrum-time and his physicality around the park.
“Our scrum has played a key factor in our success this season, thanks to the work of Al Dickinson and players like Jamie and Oli [Kebble]
“We’re looking forward to having Jamie as part of our pack for the seasons ahead.”