Glasgow Warriors lock Alex Samuel signs contract renewal with Scotland ambitions in his sights

Glasgow Warriors lock Alex Samuel has signed a contract renewal with the Scottish club he joined as an academy player, with the 23-year-old citing the club’s direction and environment as key factors in what he described as a straightforward call.

Samuel, a 6‘9” second-rower who made his Glasgow debut in a 37-0 win over Benetton in November 2022, has now accumulated 58 appearances for the club. He captained Scotland Under-20s before earning his senior international debut against Portugal in November 2024, and has since added caps in victories over USA and Tonga, as well as coming off the bench in Scotland’s 47-38 win over Argentina in the Nations Championship in July.

“It feels great,” Samuel said. “I’m looking forward to the next few years, and with the way the club is moving it was a pretty easy decision to stay. I’ve obviously been fortunate enough to play a lot of games in the last year or so, which has certainly allowed me to keep improving my game. The environment here is second to none, too, and that’s really put me in the best position possible for my own development.”

The lock also pointed to the personal dimension of remaining at Scotstoun, where he has grown up alongside many of his current teammates. “It’s great fun coming to work every day with your mates, and with guys that you’ve grown up playing alongside. It makes everything so much easier and I feel like we’re really building something together here.”

Looking ahead, Samuel identified a return to full fitness as his immediate priority before setting his sights on further Scotland involvement. “I just want to keep improving and put my hand up for selection once I’m back fully fit. I’d obviously love to play for Scotland more as well, but first things first I’ve got to get myself back into the best form possible for Glasgow.”

Head Coach Franco Smith welcomed the renewal, highlighting Samuel’s influence both on and off the pitch. “As both a player and a person, Alex has contributed a great deal to our environment — he is a great influence at the club and the way he goes about his business is a credit to both him and his family. He provides a physical edge both with and without the ball, and he also possesses a real drive and desire to improve. He is someone we believe will only continue to get better and better.”