Walker signs first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have secured the services of one of the most promising young front-rowers in Scottish rugby, after FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy product Murphy Walker put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club.

The 22-year-old tight-head follows in the recent footsteps of former Scotland U20 team-mates and fellow academy graduates such as Ross Thompson, Ollie Smith, Rory Darge and Rufus McLean in committing his future to the club, after breaking into the senior setup at Scotstoun earlier this season.

He became the 334^th player to represent Glasgow Warriors back in October, coming off the bench in a 35-24 victory over the Cell C Sharks at Scotstoun before retaining his spot in the matchday 23 for the win over the Emirates Lions a week later.

Walker also impressed in the 2021 FOSROC Super6 for Stirling County, making four appearances for the Bridgehaugh outfit and crossing for a try against Watsonians.

A product of Dundee Eagles, the prop captained a Strathallan School side containing future Glasgow team-mate Smith and coached by Warriors centurion Ed Kalman to a 2018 Schools Cup victory over Glenalmond College.

Walker is also the nephew of former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland U20 Head Coach Sean Lineen, and represented his country at the 2018 and 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Speaking to glasagowwarriors.org, Walker said: I’m delighted to sign my first pro deal with the club.

“It’s been such a big thing I’ve aimed towards these last 18 months. I’ve had some obstacles to overcome with my hamstring injury and for me to achieve this goal it’s been unbelievable. I’m proud to get the chance to continue to play for this club and to represent my family and my little village of Longforgan.

“Being a Glasgow Warrior means a lot, not only to me but my family too. My parents have been behind me since day one. My dad took me to Dundee Eagles when I was a wee kid just to have fun. I never expected to be here and to be making a career out of playing rugby.

“We have a great group of guys here at the club who are always driving each other forward. Zander and Oli have been massive for my progress at scrum time and Fraser worked with me a lot while I was injured on my skills and set-piece. Having guys like that to learn from is amazing.

“I don’t think anything changes now I’m a full-time professional. I’ve been given this opportunity because of the work I’ve been putting in and I’m going to continue to train as hard as I can every day to stake a claim for a place in the match day 23.”

Head Coach Danny Wilson added: “Murphy is a young man who has really impressed us throughout the time that he’s been in our environment.

“His attitude and willingness to put in the hard work on and off the field has been first-rate and he’s earned his opportunity this season. His drive to be a Warrior is clear for all to see.

“He’s hungry to learn from guys in his position like Zander [Fagerson], Simon [Berghan] and Enrique [Pieretto] who have a lot of experience and international quality, and we believe he’s going to go from strength to strength for us.”