With your Glasgow Warriors having played just the single match across the month of February, McCrea have teamed up with the club to shine a spotlight on some stars of the future.

With insight from Shade Munro - the club’s Senior Academy Coach - and Luke O’Dea, the Senior Academy’s Athletic Performance Coach, get the lowdown on three academy prospects that could be pulling on a Glasgow Warriors shirt in the coming months and seasons…

Joe Roberts

Aberdeen-born hooker Roberts has already shown exactly why he is one of Scottish rugby’s most highly-touted prospects over the course of 2024/25 to date, having made an immediate impression since arriving at Scotstoun last summer.

A product of Robert Gordon’s College, the former Scotland U18 captain has seamlessly made the step up to U20 level, his dynamism in both attack and defence having been prominent in his performances to date.

Roberts has even already made a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23, and whilst he ultimately remained on the bench during January’s win over Connacht at Scotstoun, a senior club debut isn’t likely to be too far away.

What the coaches said:

“Joe’s work rate and willingness to learn have really set him apart this season so far, and he’s caught the eye of both the senior coaches and his team-mates.

“Not many players make a Glasgow Warriors matchday squad whilst still being in the U19 age-bracket, and he’s shown great physical development across this season so far.”

What Roberts said:

“I’ve loved being part of the Glasgow Warriors academy setup so far. The rugby has been fast and intense, but it’s been unreal so far.

“Everyone here is extremely knowledgeable and I’m really fortunate to have been coached by them since coming in. The players, too, especially in the pack, have been invaluable to me in helping me get up to speed with the playbook and my role in the team.

“I want to keep putting in strong performances for Scotland U20 over the next couple of weeks, and then keep working hard at Scotstoun. It’d be a dream to play for Glasgow Warriors one day, but I know I’ve still got a lot of work to do before then.”

Ryan Burke

Standing at 6’7”, boyhood Glasgow Warriors supporter Burke has also been learning from the core of established internationals in the club’s pack of forwards across 2024/25 to date.

Having helped Scotland to victory in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy, the former West of Scotland man then produced an energetic display away to Zebre Parma in pre-season as part of a youthful playing group overseen by Franco Smith and his coaching team.

Formerly a landscaper, the second-rower has already shown his potential around the training field, as well as serving as 24^th man in recent weeks.

What the coaches said:

“For someone who didn’t start playing rugby until his late teens, Ryan’s development over the last couple of years has been remarkable.

“In 18 months at Scotstoun his physical development has been incredibly noticeable, including putting on 16kg to bulk up in the second-row.

“His rugby IQ has also changed dramatically, to the point he’s now confidently calling lineouts during training sessions along with the senior pros.”

What Burke said:

“I’m really enjoying my time at Scotstoun – this is my second season in the academy, and I definitely feel like I’m learning every day.

“The group of second-rowers here have been brilliant with me – guys like Alex Samuel and Scott Cummings have helped me really develop at the set-piece and have worked with me to improve my game.

“Pushing to make my club debut is a big target for me, and I want to work hard to give myself the best chance possible of making that happen.”

Fergus Watson

Biggar RFC product Watson is another who has consistently impressed at every opportunity, as the winger – who is also comfortable at full-back – regularly on the end of any attacking chance that comes his way.

Along with Matt Urwin and Johnny Ventisei, Watson was part of the Scotland 7s squad that won an historic gold medal at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, with his rapid acceleration and electric footwork making him ideally suited to life in the back-three.

Scorer of two tries for Scotland U20 already in the 2025 U20 Six Nations, the flyer – who deferred his studies of veterinary medicine to join the academy – has also stood out for Glasgow Warriors A in their outings this season.

What the coaches said:

“Ferg’s rugby IQ sets him apart from a lot of other young players – he’s a really intelligent guy both on and off the field.

“He’s keen to learn and has a great all-round skillset, something that’s already served him well in his career to date and will continue to do so.

“He’s shown up well in his chances to date, and he applies himself in training to put himself in the best place possible.”

What Watson said:

“I’m really enjoying being part of the senior academy and being able to train with guys I’ve grown up following for Glasgow and Scotland. It’s been a step up from anything I’ve done before but I’m loving the challenge.

“My youth coaches at Biggar really drove my love of the game, and all my coaches I’ve had coming through the pathway – guys like Nic Humphries at Biggar, Euan Clark in the regional academy and Scott Forrest at U20 – have been great at helping me develop my game. Franco [Smith], Nigel [Carolan] and Pete [Murchie] have all been excellent here to, helping me improve with the real detail they go into in all aspects of the game.

“I want to not only help Scotland U20 compete in both the closing stages of the U20 Six Nations and then the World Rugby U20 Championship this summer, but to also compete for a chance to play for Glasgow Warriors and at the highest level I possibly can.”