Rory Darge signs new deal to extend stay at Warriors until 2028

Scotland international Rory Darge has signed a new deal with Glasgow Warriors.

The 25-year-old has extended his stay at Scotstoun until 2028 by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Darge was named Scotland captain for the upcoming Pacific Tour earlier this week and has become one of European rugby’s most consistent performers in the last few seasons.

Since joining the Warriors in 2021 he has established himself as a fixture in the back row of Franco Smith and Gregor Townsend’s teams.

His performances earned him a hat-trick of accolades at the end of his first full season at Scotstoun, taking home the Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Test Player of the Season prizes at the club’s annual awards dinner.

The North Berwick RFC product has made 67 appearances for the Warriors to date, including playing an integral role in the club’s run to the 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship title.

Darge made 14 appearances across the title-winning campaign, including starting at openside in all three playoff matches to help his side lift the trophy at Loftus Versfeld last June.

He was also an ever-present for Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, featuring in all four of his nation’s matches. He then served as co-captain alongside Finn Russell for the 2024 Six Nations campaign.

After the new deal was announced on Friday, he said: “It was fairly straightforward, really.

“I love my time in Glasgow and the club is the best place for me to be just now – I’m loving my rugby and this is the best possible place for me to keep developing.

“The competition at Scotstoun is something that’s definitely played a role in continuing to develop me, particularly this season with how well the young guys that came in and played. Everyone that came in took their opportunity really well, which is a testament to this environment and the coaching that we get, and that only bodes well for the future of this club.

“I’ve really started to enjoy the leadership role over the last season or so, both for Scotland and for Glasgow – I’ve enjoyed being able to support Steyno [Kyle Steyn] on and off the field, and it’s an exciting part of the game for me.

“I’m really looking forward to the next few years – we’ve got a great playing group building here, as well as a really strong coaching group. I’m excited to see what Scott [Forrest] and Roddy [Grant] will bring – Scott’s been great since he came in last year, and I’m looking forward to working with Roddy, who was someone I grew up watching and looking to emulate. It’s an exciting time to be a Warrior and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Head coach Franco Smith added: “Rory has developed into one of the best in his position in Europe, and we still believe that he is only scratching the surface of his potential.

“His work in both attack and defence makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country; his statistics speak for themselves and only serve to underline his quality.

“He has developed into a leader within our environment over the last few seasons, and being named as Scotland captain is a well-deserved reflection of this development.

“He is someone who embodies what it means to be a Warrior, and we look forward to continuing to work with him over the coming seasons.”