Campbell set for full pro status with Glasgow deal

NICK Campbell has pledged his future to his home-town club Glasgow, signing a new deal that will see him turn fully professional at the end of 2012.

The 22-year-old has been part of the club’s Elite Development group for the past two seasons, and will continue in the programme for the first part of the coming campaign before moving to a full pro-contract.

The 6ft 7in lock will follow in the footsteps of Stuart Hogg and Finlay Gillies, both of whom have emerged from the Elite Development programme to earn full contracts this season.

Campbell has already made a positive impression in Glasgow’s first XV, scoring a crucial try in the away win over reigning European champions Leinster at the RDS last September and making a further five further appearances in the RaboDirect PRO12 league.

Campbell’s new contract will allow him to continue his link with the game in the west of Scotland, having received his grounding at Allan Glen’s, Cartha Queens Park and Glasgow Hawks, before coming into the Warriors fold in the summer of 2010.

Campbell told Glasgow’s website: “As a proud Glasgow boy, it was always my ambition to represent the region as a professional player and I’ve loved every minute of my involvement so far. It’s fantastic to know I’ll be here next season to hopefully play my part in helping the team build on what has been a really positive campaign to date.

“I’ve learned a massive amount from training and playing alongside quality second rows like Al Kellock, Richie Gray, Tom Ryder and Rob Verbakel, and, with [current Newcastle Falcons Player of the Season] Tim Swinson also coming into the mix next season, there’s sure to be great competition for places again.”

Glasgow have a strong looking squad already for next season, when they will be led by Gregor Townsend, but outgoing coach Sean Lineen has always been proud to see home-grown talent emerge, and he praised Campbell for the impact he has already made in a short space of time.

“In the games he’s had in the RaboDirect PRO12, Nick has shown he has the potential to develop into a very capable player for Glasgow Warriors,” said Lineen. “He’s always keen to learn and take advice on board, and he’s also a Glasgow lad. He knows what it means to pull on that black and blue shirt and that’s massively important in terms of the culture we’re encouraging here.”

Warriors Elite Development coach Iain Monaghan said: “I’m really pleased for Nick that he will have the opportunity to continue to progress with Glasgow.

“He has come on significantly as a player and we’ll continue to support and challenge him to make sure he moves forward in the same vein.”

The Warriors’ bid to reach the RaboDirect PRO12 play-offs continues with a game against Munster in Cork this Saturday (kick-off 7.15pm, live on BBC Alba).