Two players who have graduated through the Scottish Rugby pathway scheme were today handed fulltime professional contracts by Glasgow Warriors.

Fullback Peter Horne (above) and hooker Pat MacArthur (below), who are both members of Scottish Rugby’s Contracted National Academy, have represented Scotland at Under 18, Under 19 and Under 20 levels and are now hungry for the battle for a Warriors jersey.

MacArthur, who helped Ayr lift the SHE Premier One title earlier this season, said: “I’ve already experienced professional rugby with the Warriors so I’m really excited that Sean has given me this opportunity to join the squad fulltime.

“I’ve been in the National Academy for the last two years and it’s a great feeling to finally realise a lifelong ambition of becoming a Glasgow player.

“Having won Premier One with Ayr this season, this caps off a fantastic season for me personally.”

Horne, who scored all of Scotland’s points in the 18-17 win against Wales during the 2009 U20 Six Nations match at McDiarmid Park, Perth, in February, added: “I’ve always wanted to be a professional rugby player since I was a kid so to finally be offered a contract is a fantastic feeling.

“I’ve got my foot in the door now so the ball is in my court to make things happen. I’m eager to repay the faith in me shown by Sean and the coaching staff. The real hard work starts now.”

Having shown signs of real potential over the past few years, Warriors head coach Sean Lineen today handed them both two year deals with The Biggest Team in Glasgow.

“Peter has real potential,” said Lineen. ”From the moment he played in his first back-up game last year I spotted real talent and a high level of confidence and ability.

“Peter has a real desire and focus and has a totally professional attitude which is something I find refreshing in one so young.

“As for Pat, well he has been on the fringes for a couple of years now. He has physically developed very well and he is ready for the professional ranks now. With the right attitude he will push both Dougie Hall and Fergus Thomson all the way.”

Scottish Rugby’s National Academy Manager, Stephen Gemmell, added: “Once more, we can see that the Academy structure is producing players of the calibre that our professional teams are looking for.

“Both these players have performed to a very high standard and are worthy of the professional contracts handed to them today. I’m certain that they’ll continue to flourish as they graduate into the professional ranks.”

MORE BIG NAMES HAVE SIGNED… NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
More big names have signed for next season. Thom Evans, Max Evans, Chris Cusiter and Rob Dewey will all be Warriors next season and now it’s your turn.

The 2009/10 Glasgow Warriors season ticket has more benefits than ever before. On top of a match-by-match saving of over £100 (based on an adult season ticket), the new deal includes free entry for you and a friend for the pre-season friendly (opposition tbc), entry into the ticket ballot for RBS 6 Nations tickets, free admission to the away 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh in addition to two further Edinburgh fixtures at Murrayfield plus free entry into a Partick Thistle league game.

Season ticket holders aged 12 and under will also be entered into the exclusive prize draw to run out with the Warriors as the official mascot at a Glasgow home game.

Season ticket prices remain at just £30 for under 18s with concessions and students enjoying all the action for only £80. Adult season tickets are priced at £160.

Call the ticket hotline on 0844 800 3490 or click here to add your name to the list of signings for The Biggest Team in Glasgow.