McDonald to join Wasps at end of season

Glasgow Warriors can confirm that second-rower Kiran McDonald will be departing the club at the end of the 2021/22 season, having agreed to join English Premiership side Wasps at the conclusion of his current contract.

The 27-year-old moves on after five seasons at Scotstoun, having made 46 appearances to date for his hometown club.

Having come through the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy ranks with the Warriors and appeared in a 63-0 pre-season win over Canada ‘A’ in 2016, McDonald re-joined the club ahead of the 2017/18 campaign after a spell with English National Three side Hull.

His competitive debut came in a 47-6 victory away to the Ospreys in November 2017, before further developing into a key member of the Glasgow pack under the tutelage of Danny Wilson and his coaching team.

McDonald’s first try for the club came in dramatic fashion in May 2021, crossing in the corner to secure a bonus-point victory away to the Dragons in the Rainbow Cup.

First called into the senior Scotland squad ahead of the subsequently-cancelled 2021 summer tour, the former Glasgow Accie was added to Gregor Townsend’s playing group earlier this week as the squad prepares for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France.

“I have loved the last five years playing for Glasgow,” McDonald told glasgowwarriors.org.

“For a local lad, it means a lot to play for your home team and very few get to do that, so to represent the city of Glasgow has been an honour and a privilege.

“I’ve made some friends for life at this club and always thank Glasgow Warriors for the opportunities I’ve had to pull on the jersey.”

Head Coach Danny Wilson added: “We’re obviously disappointed to see Kiran leave the club, but when he does, we will wish him well.

“This season he’s played well for us and has earnt his call up to the national squad.

“When he returns to us from Scotland duty, I’m sure he’ll be as determined as ever to end his time here on a high.”