Glasgow debutant Fergus Watson crowns landmark week
Glasgow Warriors winger Fergus Watson has signed his first professional contract with the club just days after making his debut.
The 20-year-old was named player of the match in a try-scoring debut for the United Rugby Championship leaders as they defeated Benetton on Friday at Scotstoun.
Off the back of that performance, Watson has become the fifth academy product to sign a deal with the Warriors this season, following Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Oliver, Johnny Ventisei and Matthew Urwin.
“I’m over the moon,” Watson told glasgowwarriors.org after signing.
“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.”