Academy Starlets become Warriors

Hooker Pat MacArthur and fullback Peter Horne, 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."

PAT MacARTHUR (Ayr)
Position: Hooker
Born: 27.4.87 in Irvine
Height: 6ft (1.83m)
Weight: 14st 13lb (95kg)

PETER HORNE (West of Scotland)
Position: Full back
Born: 5 October 1989 in Aberdeen
Height: 6ft (1.83m)
Weight: 14st 9lb (93kg)