McDowall signs first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors

Stafford McDowall has signed a professional contract with Glasgow Warriors following a string of impressive performances.

The contract comes into effect immediately and sees McDowall commit himself to the Warriors until at least 2020.

A product of the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy, the 20-year-old made his debut at home to the Southern Kings last season.

He has since gone on to play five times for the Warriors, starting in the victories over Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets in November.

Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing in over 100kg the centre has made the step up to professional rugby look seamless, impressing the Glasgow coaching staff with his physicality in both attack and defence.

When not playing for Glasgow McDowall plays for Ayr in the Tennent’s Premiership and has also represented Scotland at all age grades.

He was Scotland U20 captain at this year’s 6 Nations and World Championships.

The Glasgow Warriors coaching staff nominated Stafford as one of four players to be McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for November.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org Stafford McDowall said: “It’s a dream come true, being a professional rugby player is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“The last two months have gone by pretty quickly and I didn’t expect to get the run of games I got but I’ve really enjoyed it, especially playing at Scotstoun.

“My goal now is to get as much game time as possible, add consistency to my performances and learn as much as I can from the coaches and my teammates.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Stafford’s been training with us a year and a half now. He got limited opportunities with us last year but impressed us with his skill-set and work ethic and has earned the opportunities he’s got this season.

“He’s a big man with the ability to carry through contact, he’s incredibly fit and his distribution and kicking skills are also of real quality.

“He really impressed us during the international window, he looked really comfortable in the jersey and was never overawed by the opposition. We think he’s got a big future ahead of him.”