The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bhatti signs new deal to remain at Warriors
RUGBY: Scotland international reflects on ‘whirlwind’ first season as professional
Jamie Bhatti has agreed a new deal to stay another season at the Glasgow Warriors after a “whirlwind” first full professional season.
The former slaughterman from Tillycoultry had only a handful of first XV appearances coming into the season but was a Scotland international by November and played some part in all eight games for his country during this season.
Bhatti has also played 19 times for the Warriors having gained the trust of Dave Rennie, helping them to win Conference A in the Guinness PRO14 and book a home semi-final. “It’s been a whirlwind,” he admitted. “I came in for my first pre-season as a professional, got the opportunity to start a game at the beginning of the season and then managed to start most of the games after that.
“That got me in the Autumn Test squad, I got my first cap against Samoa and played in all three games.
“It’s amazing now coming to the business end of the season I have eight Scotland caps and I’ve played 25 times for the club, so it’s been a pretty good first year as a professional.”
A product of the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, the 24-year old played club rugby for Stirling County and won the BT Cup with Melrose last year, by which time he’d already signed a pro deal with the Warriors. “I just love being at this club,” he said. “I want to keep improving as a player and I believe this is the right place for me to do that.”
Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said: “It’s great news for the club that Jamie is staying in Glasgow. He has really stepped up for both club and country this season and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop.”
England look set to be without centre Jonathan Joseph for their summer tour of South Africa.
In another major injury concern for England head coach Eddie Jones, the 40 times-capped Bath player will not feature again this season.
Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder says that 26-year-old Joseph requires surgery on his foot and will “need a lengthy period of time to rehabilitate”.