Dundrennan rugby player Stafford McDowall commits future to Glasgow Warriors

Stafford McDowall has committed his future to Glasgow Warriors.

The Dundrennan centre, who came through the ranks at Stewartry RFC, has had a fantastic season, scoring six tries in 13 appearances for Franco Smith’s side and captaining the team on four occasions.

The 25-year-old, who made his professional debut for the club in 2017, told the Warriors website: “To be able to continue to represent this club – my home club – is such a thing for me. I’m incredibly proud to represent this team and everyone that is part of it.

“Franco has been a huge influence on me. The whole coaching group this season has really instilled a lot of confidence back into me again, and playing on a regular basis is such an important thing for any player.

“It’s also been really cool to captain this team this year. Growing up you dream of playing for Glasgow Warriors, but captaining them was never something that crossed my mind. For Franco to give me that opportunity was a real honour. We’ve got a great group of leaders throughout this squad, though, and that’s absolutely key for us.

“I just want to say thank you to the fans, too – seeing them getting behind us home and away week in, week out is something that gives us a massive buzz, and I’m proud to represent them every time I step onto the field.”

McDowall was in the Scotland squad for the recent Six Nations campaign but, despite having played at under-20 level, has yet to make his debut for the senior side.

Warriors head coach Franco Smith said: “Stafford is someone who has fully bought into what we are looking to build here at Scotstoun.

“He’s a key member of both our attack and defence, and someone who helps to bring out the best of his fellow Warriors.

“We know that he