A Scotland international at U18 and U20 level, Stafford McDowall signed his first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors in 2018.

McDowall was selected amongst Scotland’s squad for the 2017 World Rugby U20s Championship in Georgia, where he helped his side to a best-ever finish of fifth place, before being named as captain for the 2018 edition of the tournament.

Comfortable in both the centres and the back three and having represented the Warriors in their pre-season match against Northampton Saints at Bridgehaugh in August 2017, McDowall made his competitive debut for the club in a 43-13 victory over the Southern Kings at Scotstoun.

His form in 2018/19 saw him rewarded with the Land Rover Young Player of the Season award, following an eye-catching campaign in the Warriors midfield.

He was named as captain for the first time in January 2023, scoring a try as he lead the Warriors to a 40-26 victory over USA Perpignan.

The centre then scored a brace at Parc y Scarlets to help his team to a 35-17 EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final win to book a place in a first-ever European final.

McDowall was named Player of the Match for the first time in his professional career in November 2023, picking up the honour in a 26-12 win over Benetton at Scotstoun.

He then repeated the feat in back-to-back matches in 2024, earning Player of the Match honours in the Origin Round win over the Dragons at Scotstoun and in a 19-9 win away to Benetton – the first time in five years a Glasgow Warrior had achieved the feat.

The centre reached 100 appearances in the club’s opening match of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup campaign, marking the occasion with a try in Glasgow’s 26-21 win away to Sale Sharks.