Matt Fagerson has his sights set on helping Glasgow Warriors and Scotland achieve more success, after putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see him remain a Glasgow Warrior until at least the summer of 2028.
The 26-year-old has become a fixture in the back-row for both club and country since making his professional debut in September 2016, his barnstorming brand of ball-carrying becoming a familiar sight at Scotstoun and stadia across the BKT United Rugby Championship.
A pivotal figure in Glasgow’s historic run to the 2023/24 BKT URC title, a world-class performance saw Fagerson named as the Player of the Match in the 21-16 win over the Vodacom Bulls in the Grand Final at Loftus Versfeld.
It was the latest accolade in Fagerson’s highlight-laden career to date, earning the Mackenzie Construction Most Improved Player of the Season prize at the end of his first full campaign as a professional back in 2017/18 to give notice of what was to follow.
His form during that campaign saw him rewarded with a first senior Scotland call-up, winning his first cap against the USA on the 2018 summer tour.
The former Strathallan pupil has since gone on to make 126 appearances in Glasgow colours to date, touching down for 24 tries – one of only five forwards in the club’s history to reach the 20-try milestone.
A mainstay in Scotland squads since his debut, Fagerson was selected for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, whilst his appearance against Australia in the closing match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series brought up a half-century of caps in the dark blue jersey.
“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, Yasmine 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.”
Head Coach Franco 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.”
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