Stafford McDowall has been voted as the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for February, after the centre claimed a narrow victory in a poll of the Warrior Nation to take home the trophy.

The 25-year-old earned just over 40% of the vote to beat fellow centre Sam Johnson to the prize, claiming victory by just over 2% to win the trophy outright.

McDowall captained Glasgow Warriors in both of the club’s fixtures across the month of February, leading from the front for Franco Smith’s men.

A combative performance in both attack and defence saw McDowall lead his team to a valuable 17-11 victory over Ulster at Scotstoun, combining well with Johnson against their fellow BKT URC playoff chasers.

Despite defeat to the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg ending the club’s unbeaten run, McDowall continued to show up well in midfield, beating four defenders to help his team claim a four-try bonus-point.

The centre has now returned to Scotland camp ahead of the final two rounds of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, as he looks to help his country’s championship challenge.

McDowall received his award at Scotstoun following Friday night’s win over Zebre Parma, with Ciaran Moncrieff and Ruaridh Pattie of Marr RFC on hand to hand over the trophy.