With their RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final with Leinster in Dublin looming, Glasgow Warriors have moved to secure the services of Jonny Gray, the younger brother of Scotland lock Richie, by tying the 19-year-old up in a deal that will keep him at Scotstoun for the next three seasons.
Gray, who is believed to have attracted interest from other clubs, has been attached to Warriors for the past year on the SRU's Elite Development Programme. His elevation to full-time professional status is recognition he has the ability, as well as the physical attributes, to match his brother's achievements in the game.
Gray already has made two PRO12 appearances for Glasgow, coming off the bench in matches against Edinburgh and Newport-Gwent Dragons. Having started his senior career at Hamilton, he was attached to Currie for the past season and also captained the Scotland Under-20 side in the junior RBS 6 Nations.
Gregor Townsend, the Warriors head coach, said: "It is fantastic news that Jonny will be staying at the club for at least the next three years."
Shade Munro, the forwards coach at Warriors, said: "Jonny continues to improve and always puts a huge amount of effort into training and games. He works extremely hard and is focused on developing his game. There is a lot of competition for places in the second row just now but Jonny deserves this opportunity."
Gray said: "I'm honoured to have agreed a professional contract with the Warriors. It's the perfect platform for me to develop as a player. Competition is tough with the talent we have here, but the players have been great and continually offer me advice, which has helped a lot."
Glasgow have also bolstered their front-row resources by agreeing one-year deals with hookers Kevin Bryce and Fraser Brown, both of Heriot's.
"Fraser and Kevin are two of the most highly rated hookers in the club game in Scotland and we're delighted to have secured them for next season," added Munro.
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