Matt Fagerson signs long-term deal with URC champions

Scotland back-row Matt Fagerson has signed a new deal with the Glasgow Warriors that will run until 2028.

The 26-year-old made his Glasgow debut nine years ago as a teenager and has made 126 appearances to date. He has also earned 50 Scotland caps in that time after making his debut in 2018.

Fagerson, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, has become the latest Scotland international to sign a new deal at Scotstoun, which includes his brother Zander.

There will be exits at the end of the season too, including the Gloucester-bound No.8 Jack Mann, so head coach Franco Smith will be delighted his back-row reserves will not take too great a hit.

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“When [wife] Alex and I sat down and looked through our options to decide what was next for us in our lives, we came to the conclusion that this was the best place for us to develop as a family,” Fagerson told glasgowwarriors.org.

“The off-field and family network is so important; my wife and I love Glasgow and we’ve got a great group of friends here, we’ve obviously got Zander, Yasmin and the kids here as well, Alex’s family isn’t too far away – all of those factors just made it clear to us that this was where we wanted to be.

“I’ve definitely changed both as a man and as a player since arriving here. Alex is a huge part of my ‘why’ every time I run out onto the field, and helped me make the decision to stay at Scotstoun.

“So many team-mates have left their mark on me and help me to develop, and that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give to Glasgow Warriors. I came in here with a lot of ambition but possibly lacking in physical ability or rugby smarts, and this club has shaped me into the person and player I am today. I’m nowhere near the finished article, though – I want to keep pushing on and keep developing in all aspects of my game.

“The title win in Pretoria last season is obviously right up at the top in terms of highlights from my time here so far – the manner in which we did it and the group that we did it with was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. You chase moments like that with the team, and that was definitely one of those unforgettable moments for me.

“I’d also say doing the double in the 1872 Cup a few years ago (2022/23) was special – we played some great rugby across those two ties, and it was massive for the development of this group. Hampden Park back in December, too, was unforgettable – to get 27,500 people for a regular season game showed how much this club has grown, and I can’t wait to get back there this December.

“I really want to push myself and win more trophies, not only with Glasgow but for Scotland as well. I know I’ve got more to give and more levels I want to reach in my own game, and I want to use this rehabilitation process I’m going through at the minute to come back stronger both physically and mentally.”

Smith added: “Matt’s pride at representing this club shines through in each of his performances, and we are pleased to be able to retain his services as we continue our preparations for next season.

“His ability to play across the back-row is a valuable asset to our squad, whilst his ball-carrying ability allows him to provide a true point of difference whenever he is on the field.

“He is a role model to our young Scottish forwards coming through our academy system, and we look forward to working closely with him over the next few years.”