Glasgow Academy duo sign professional contracts

George Horne and Paddy Kelly have signed professional contracts with Glasgow Warriors, having made their senior debuts earlier this season, coming off the bench in a home game against the Ospreys. 

Both players have signed one-year deals that will see them stay at Scotstoun from next season through until at least May 2018.

Horne and Kelly currently play in the Premiership with Glasgow Hawks and have previously spent time with London Scottish in the English Championship.

George, who’s older brother Peter also signed a new contract earlier this year, can play in both of the half-back positions.

The 21-year old has impressed in several World Sevens Series tournaments for Scotland this season and has also represented his country at age-grade level.

Centre Kelly has also played his way through the Scotland age grades and spent time in France playing for Le Parc in National B.

In 2016 the 21-year-old was a recipient of Scottish Rugby’s MacPhail Scholarship, following in the footsteps of the likes of Adam Ashe, Jonny Gray and Finn Russell in going to New Zealand to develop.

The pair take the total number of academy graduates this season to five, with Lewis Wynne, Matt Smith and Jamie Bhatti having already committed their futures to Glasgow.

“We’ve been in the academy for a couple of years now, so it’s good to take that next step up and I’m looking forward to the challenge." Horne said.

 

Paddy Kelly commented saying: “On the back of Scotland U20 we both joined the academy and although George was the season before me at London Scottish we’ve taken similar paths and it’s really good to go professional together.