McDonald commits future to Glasgow Warriors

Kiran McDonald has become the latest player to pledge his immediate future to Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2020/21 season, as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the new campaign.

The deal –
agreed prior to the COVID-19 lockdown – will see the 25-year-old remain at
Scotstoun until at least the summer of 2022, becoming the 17^th player
to re-sign with the club for Danny Wilson’s first full campaign in charge.

Having made
his debut in a 47-6 victory away to the Ospreys in November 2017, McDonald has
pulled on a Glasgow Warriors shirt on 24 occasions to date.

The 6’8” second-rower
produced a series of barnstorming displays at the beginning of 2019/20,
claiming McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month award for October after
catching the eye of fans and pundits alike.

McDonald was
presented with the award following November’s 50-0 triumph over the Southern
Kings at Scotstoun, a landmark occasion for the Glasgow native; in addition to
the monthly award, he also capped his 25^th birthday in style by
turning in a player-of-the-match-winning display in front of the Warrior
Nation.

“It feels
great to be staying on,” McDonald told glasgowwarriors.org.

“A couple of
years ago I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with me rugby-wise, so to now
be going into my fourth year at the club is amazing.

“Glasgow’s
my hometown – the Warriors have been part of my life for a while now, and it’s
a privilege to be a part of something that means so much to the community and
the city. It’s a great place to play rugby; the coaches give you every
opportunity to show what you can do, and it’s a great bunch of lads to play
rugby and hang about with.

“I had a
really good start to the season and had a really good run of games – I probably
played the best rugby I’ve ever played, so I want to pick up where I left off.

“I’m excited
to get back out there. Danny [Wilson]’s vision for the club is one I’m really
excited about, and I can’t wait to show what I can do on the pitch.”

Head Coach
Danny Wilson was pleased to secure the second-rower’s services with the new
deal, as preparations continue for August’s double-header with Edinburgh at BT
Murrayfield.

“I’ve been
watching Kiran’s development for a while now in my previous role with Scotland,
and I’ve been really impressed by the strides he’s taken in the last year or
so,” said the Glasgow boss.

“He had a
tremendous start to the 2019/20 season and was in excellent form before his
injury. He does some great work at the lineout and carries hard, and brings a
real edge to the pack.

“His
potential is very exciting – I know he can still develop even further, and I’m
looking forward to working with him.”