Scotland international who adds 'physical edge' signs Glasgow Warriors contract extension

Scotland international forward Alex Samuel has signed a contract extension with Glasgow Warriors.

The 6ft 9in lock is currently on the sidelines following a knee injury which ruled him out of the national team’s summer Nations Championship Test matches. He is also expected to miss the conclusion of that tournament in November but will hopefully be back in action for his club before the end of the year.

Samuel, who made his debut for the Scotstoun outfit in 2022, described the environment amongst the players and staff as ‘second to none’. He said: “It feels great. I’m looking forward to the next few years, and with the way the club is moving it was a pretty easy decision to stay.

‘Great fun coming to work every day’ - Scotland lock loving life at Scotstoun after signing Warriors contract extension

“I’ve obviously been fortunate enough to play a lot of games in the last year or so, which has certainly allowed me to keep improving my game. The environment here is second to none, too, and that’s really put me in the best position possible for my own development.

“It’s great fun coming to work every day with your mates, and with guys that you’ve grown up playing alongside. It makes everything so much easier and I feel like we’re really building something together here at Scotstoun.

“I just want to keep improving and put my hand up for selection once I’m back fully fit. I’d obviously love to play for Scotland more as well, but first things first I’ve got to get myself back into the best form possible for Glasgow and give my all for the club.”

The 23-year-old, from St Andrews, played with Madras College and Stirling County before turning professional with the Warriors. He made his competitive debut four years ago this month in a 37-0 win over Benetton, who Glasgow are set to take on in their latest URC clash this Saturday.

Head coach Franco Smith added: “As both a player and a person, Alex has contributed a great deal to our environment – he is a great influence at the club and the way he goes about his business is a credit to both him and his family.

“He provides a physical edge both with and without the ball, regularly putting in the hard work to put his team in the best position possible. He also possesses a real drive and desire to improve and become the best version of himself that he can be, and he is someone we believe will only continue to get better and better.”

The 23-year-old, a former Scotland under 20 captain, won his first cap for the senior men’s national team in 2024 in an Autumn Test match against Portugal. He had previously trained with the side during the 2021 Six Nations and has earned three more caps since his debut.

He was initially selected in the squad for this summer’s matches against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji but withdrew after being named on the bench for the match in Pretoria. He was replaced in the 23-man squad by club teammate Max Williamson with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend revealing he would require surgery on the knee injury he had sustained.

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