Watson signs first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors

The winger becomes the fifth player to graduate from the club’s academy ahead of the 2026/27 season, following the recent announcements of Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Oliver, Johnny Ventisei and Matthew Urwin.

The news continues a landmark week in the former Scotland U20 flyer’s career to date, having made an instant impact on his Glasgow Warriors debut against Benetton last Friday night.

Watson became the first Warrior in 20 years to cross for a try and earn Player of the Match honours on his debut, before being invited to lift the Scottish-Italian Shield following the full-time whistle at Scotstoun.

A product of Biggar RFC, the winger – who can also line up at full-back – scored three tries in five matches for Scotland U20 during last year’s U20 Six Nations, ahead of running out for Glasgow Warriors A in meetings with Benetton U23 and Black Lion towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

He then caught the eye with a pair of impressive performances against Bath and Northampton Saints in pre-season, his displays earning him a call-up for Emerging Scotland against Tonga XV at Scotstoun last November.

Watson follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Bill, a Scotland international in the back-row during the 1970s.

“I’m over the moon,” Watson told glasgowwarriors.org following the announcement.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and to sign a pro deal at such a special club is a really cool feeling.

“Making my debut was just a class feeling – to run out at Scotstoun in front of such a good crowd, that was really special. To score as well was an unforgettable feeling.

“All the boys in the back-three have been brilliant with me since I’ve come into the environment. Josh [McKay] has been class with me and really supported me through my journey so far, and then to also have the two Kyles [Steyn and Rowe] and Ollie [Smith] to learn from is incredible for me.

“It’s also so good to see everyone’s hard work paying off – I’ve grown up playing with guys like Johnny [Ventisei] and Matt [Urwin], so to see all of us signing pro contracts is a great feeling. I just want to keep working hard in training and see where it goes, and take any opportunity that comes my way.”

Head Coach Smith added: “Fergus has worked hard at his own personal and physical development, and those efforts were in full evidence on Friday night.

“He is a player that we believe has all the attributes necessary to be a real asset to his squad, with his pace and ball-carrying evident throughout training and in his performance last weekend.

“He is also eager to learn from those around him and continue his own progression, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow as a Glasgow Warrior.”