Warriors sign up graduates

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The 28-year-old winger – who has agreed a new deal to stay on at the DAM Health Stadium for next term – was resigned to the likelihood that his campaign was over when he suffered a serious knee injury against Benetton in early December.

But he returned to action in last Saturday’s 16-10 defeat at home to Ulster and is now in the frame for involvement in a rousing finale to the season as Edinburgh chase glory in both the United Rugby Championship play-offs and the European Challenge Cup

“When I first got injured, I was ready to accept that that was my season done, so to be in contention for selection with a few vital games to come, it’s huge,” said Hoyland.

“I was thinking ‘right, let’s just get back for pre-season and kick on into the next season’ but it turned out I was actually going to be back for the last couple of months of the season so it was nice knowing I’d still have something to build for before the season finishes.

GLASGOW have handed professional contracts for next season to four graduates from the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy.

Second-rower Alex Samuel, back-row Gregor Brown, hooker Angus Fraser and lock Max Williamson have all been rewarded with an opportunity to stake a claim in the first-team squad after impressing in training with the Warriors this term.

Head coach Danny Wilson is delighted to add the youngsters to his pool of players.

“We are passionate about developing Scottish talent and it’s great to see four more promising prospects graduate from our academy,” he told the Glasgow website.

“Angus, Alex, Gregor and Max have all applied themselves well recently and take the next step into professional rugby at Glasgow Warriors.”

Fraser admitted he was “ecstatic” when he was offered his first professional contract.

“I’ve absolutely loved my three years in the academy here and to finally get the chance to be a professional athlete and a Glasgow Warrior is one of those real dream come true moments,” he said.

“I’m absolutely chuffed. I’ve been in and around the boys on a matchday so it’s given me a taste of what game nights are like here at Scotstoun.

“To get the chance to pull on the Glasgow shirt and run out in front of a packed house here, that’d mean the world.”

Edinburgh’s Damien Hoyland has fought back from injury to reclaim place in the side. Drug-free relief from knee pain. Fully adjustable for men and women. Comfortable to wear under clothing. Machine washable. Ideal support for when out walking.