GLASGOW WARRIORS have continued to build their squad for next season by tying down props D'arcy Rae and Jamie Bhatti on new deals.
The Scotstoun outfit have been on a recruitment drive of late, announcing the signings of Huw Jones, Oli Kebble and Callum Gibbins.
On Wednesday the Pro12 side confirmed that tight-head Rae has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, while Scottish Rugby Academy product Bhatti has agreed a 12-month contract.
Watch: Our team look ahead to bruised Scotland's Six Nations meeting with Wales at Murrayfield
Scotland youth international Rae, who has also had spells with London Scottish and Benetton Treviso, said: “Glasgow is my home club and all my family are here and I’m enjoying it.
“I’ve been working towards trying to get in the team as much as I can and getting more game-time this season made my decision easier.
“When I was younger I played on the pitch at half-time and now I’m playing in the team which is surreal.
“I want to play well for my club and if I got the opportunity to play for Scotland one day that would be a bonus.
“It’s good to see the senior boys are staying and the squad is being built around them.”
Bhatti joins Lewis Wynne and Matt Smith in signing a pro contract with Glasgow after coming through the Academy system, having spent most of this campaign with Melrose in the BT Premiership.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be a professional rugby player, so I’m really happy to have signed a contract with Glasgow," he told glasgowwarriors.org.
“It’s an honour to play for such a successful club and I’m looking forward to continuing my development at Scotstoun.”
Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added: “D’arcy (Rae) played very well in our final game of last season against Connacht and has made really good progress since then.
“He has worked hard to transfer his physical strength into effective play in the set-piece and is continually improving in attack and defence.
“Jamie (Bhatti) has spent more and more time with us during the season and has a really good attitude. He is hard-working, has a physical edge to his game and also fits in well with our attacking game.
“He has been consistent in his training performances with us and has performed well for Melrose this season. It’s great to see another young Scottish player coming through our Academy system.”
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