NEW Scotland international Rory Darge has signed a long-term contract with Glasgow Warriors – less than a year after joining the club.

The former North Berwick High School pupil made the move from east to west as he swapped Edinburgh for Glasgow last April.

Since then, a number of outstanding performances have made him one of the most talked-about players in Northern Hemisphere rugby in the last 12 months.

The North Berwick RFC product has been a mainstay ever since arriving at the Warriors, making 15 appearances to date for Danny Wilson’s side and becoming a firm fan favourite through the work ethic that has been present throughout his rise from grassroots to the professional arena.

All bar one of those outings have come as part of the starting XV, with the flanker initially turning heads in the 2021 Guinness Rainbow Cup with first a totemic display against former club Edinburgh, then a player-of-the-match-winning performance in a bonus-point win over the Dragons last May.

East Lothian Courier: Scotland's Rory Darge dives in to score their side's first try during the Guinness Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA WireScotland's Rory Darge dives in to score their side's first try during the Guinness Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

The 22-year-old’s remarkable run of form has shown no signs of abating in the 2021/22 campaign, becoming one of the most consistently high-performing athletes across the United Rugby Championship.

Darge, from Aberlady, told glasgowwarriors.org: “The last year has gone by so quickly.

“From my debut for Glasgow, to my first URC game, to my first European game and now to my Scotland debut, it’s been unbelievable.

“It was a really easy decision to commit my future to this club.

“I’m loving life at Scotstoun.

“I knew a few of the boys before making the move across last year, especially guys like Rufus [McLean], Ross [Thompson] and Ollie [Smith] that I came through the age grades with, but everyone’s been so good with me.

“I’ve settled in so quickly and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“All the guys in the back-row have been a massive help to me, in particular.

“Ryan Wilson as co-captain has been a big influence, but there’s also guys like Thomas Gordon, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson – all these guys help me to push on and aim to be the best I can be.

“Danny [Wilson] and Nigel [Carolan] have been helping me develop my work at the contact and in attack too, and I can’t wait to keep developing at this club.

“The URC is such a brilliant competition to develop my game in, too.

“To be able to test myself against World Cup winners on the South African teams, the top-quality guys from the Irish teams at the top of the league and the best that Wales and Italy have to offer, that’s such a massive boost for both myself and the club.

“We want to be challenging at the top and it shows us the standard that we need to be at.”

East Lothian Courier: Rory Darge, who made his international debut earlier this month, has extended his stay with Glasgow Warriors. Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNSRory Darge, who made his international debut earlier this month, has extended his stay with Glasgow Warriors. Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS

In a competition filled with high-quality back-rowers, Darge has frequently been making the headlines; a player-of-the-match-winning performance against Ulster in the opening round – despite his side slipping to a narrow defeat – served notice of his quality, whilst his tally of 22 defenders beaten in the competition is more than any other back-rower aside from team-mate Jack Dempsey and Stormers number eight Evan Roos.

In Europe too, Darge’s all-action style has been eye-catching.

A barnstorming performance in the 22-7 victory over Exeter at Scotstoun last December had pundits and supporters alike purring with approval, before a similarly outstanding shift in the reverse fixture cemented his position as one to watch ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

That focus was proved to be well-aimed, with his form earning the former Scotland U20 captain a senior international debut off the bench against Wales, before marking his first international start with a try in the clash with France at BT Murrayfield.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Danny Wilson was understandably delighted to tie up the services of the highly-rated back-rower.

He said: “We’re thrilled to secure Rory’s long-term future at the club.

“He’s been impressive from the minute he stepped into the building last April, displaying an outstanding level of professionalism and calmness for such a young player.

“Every challenge that has been put in front of him so far, he has embraced and his performances for both us and Scotland showcase his work rate and skill set.

“For Rory to be a Glasgow Warrior for the long term is very exciting and we’re looking forward to continuing to watch him develop and grow in the jersey.”