Glasgow secure Scottish prop duo

Tight-head prop D’arcy Rae has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors, while loose-head Jamie Bhatti has agreed a professional contract from next season.Rae has signed a new two-year deal until at least May 2019, while Bhatti has penned a 12-month contract until May 2018, after coming through the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy.Both players have helped launch the ScottishPower Warriors Rugby Championship, which kicks off next week and involves more than 800 boys and girls from across Scotland.Rae, who hails from Troon in Ayrshire, has played 19 times for the Warriors, with 11 of those appearances coming this season.The 22-year-old has represented Scotland at U17, U18 and U20 levels.He has also spent time on loan with London Scottish and Benetton Treviso, winning two Italian derbies against Zebre during his time in Italy.Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org about his new deal D’arcy Rae said: “Glasgow is my home club and all my family are here and I’m enjoying it.”I’ve been working towards trying to get in the team as much as I can and getting more game-time this season made my decision easier.”When I was younger I played on the pitch at half-time and now I’m playing in the team which is surreal.”I want to play well for my club and if I got the opportunity to play for Scotland one day that would be a bonus.”It’s good to see the senior boys are staying and the squad is being built around them.”Stirling-born Bhatti is the third player this season to come through the Academy system, after Lewis Wynne and Matt Smith signed professional contracts with Glasgow last December.Having spent most of this season playing in the BT Premiership for leaders Melrose, the 23-year-old has played three times for the Warriors, with his debut coming against the Scarlets in November.Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Jamie Bhatti said: “It has always been a dream of mine to be a professional rugby player, so I’m really happy to have signed a contract with Glasgow.”It’s an honour to play for such a successful club and I’m looking forward to continuing my development at Scotstoun.”Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “D’arcy (Rae) played very well in our final game of last season against Connacht and has made really good progress since then.”He has worked hard to transfer his physical strength into effective play in the set-piece and is continually improving in attack and defence.”Jamie (Bhatti) has spent more and more time with us during the season and has a really good attitude. He is hard-working, has a physical edge to his game and also fits in well with our attacking game. “He has been consistent in his training performances with us and has performed well for Melrose this season. It’s great to see another young Scottish player coming through our Academy system.”Look out for exclusive interviews with D’arcy Rae and Jamie Bhatti on tonight’s Warriors HQ, available to watch at 5pm at YouTube.com/GlasgowWarriors