Mar
15
Glasgow Warriors have bolstered their options at hooker for next season, with Johnny Matthews signing a new deal with the club.
The deal sees the Scottish-qualified hooker add further depth in the number two shirt ahead of the 2021/22 season.
27-year-old Matthews – who is Scottish-qualified courtesy of his Glaswegian mother – continues his journey with Warriors having joined the club from Boroughmuir Bears on a FOSROC Super6 partnership deal at the start of the 2019/20 season.
The Liverpudlian has made 11 appearances to date for the Warriors, most recently coming off the bench in Glasgow’s 30 -25 victory over Ospreys at Scotstoun on Friday night. His first try in Glasgow colours came against Dragons at Scotstoun earlier this season, touching down in the 83 rd minute from a quick tap penalty.
Matthews will continue to compete with Fraser Brown, George Turner and Grant Stewart for the number two jersey in the 2021/22 season.
“I’m delighted to be staying with the Warriors,” said the hooker.
“I’ve loved my time at the Warriors, the boys are a lot of fun to be around and I like where the club is headed. I said when I signed in September, that I wanted to take my opportunities during the international window and I feel I have done just that.
“I feel like I’ve found my stride recently and I’m really looking forward to continue staking my claim for a spot in the match day 23.”
Head Coach Danny Wilson, said: “Johnny has been playing well for us recently and we’re delighted to secure his services for next season.
“With injuries to Fraser [Brown] and with George [Turner] and Grant [Stewart} with Scotland Jo,hnny has stepped up and applied himself well.
“It’s great to have a Scottish qualified player come up from the Super6 and not only earn but maintain a place in our squad.”
On Matthews’ signing Boroughmuir president, Stevie Douglas, said: “It’s fantastic news that Johnny has re-signed with the Warriors. He’s a real club man and everyone at Boroughmuir is really chuffed for him.
“While at Boroughmuir he’s progressed through our system, first playing in the Premiership, then Super6 and now for Glasgow Warriors. When he came to us you could tell he had talent but he’s also worked hard to get to where he is now.
We pride ourselves in the success of our Youth Academy and people like Johnny play a big role in this. He's come down and taken sessions on many occasions and is someone the players at our club can learn from and be inspired by.
“Johnny’s journey has shown there is still a pathway from the club game into the professional game and we’re really pleased to see him doing well at Glasgow.”
