Kebble commits future to the Warriors

Sep 2 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1110 Views • Comments Off on Kebble commits future to the Warriors

Oli Kebble has signed a two-year extension to his Glasgow Warriors contract, which was due to expire next summer.

The new deal means the 27-year-old will be staying at Scotstoun until at least the summer of 2022.

The former Stormers front-rower has become an integral part of Dave Rennie’s squad since arriving at Scotstoun in 2017, making 32 appearances in all competitions to date.

A Junior World Championship-winning member of the South Africa U20 side in 2012, Kebble’s dynamic ball-carrying and scrummaging prowess has seen him become a cornerstone of the Glasgow pack.

The Durban native made his competitive debut away to Connacht in September 2017 and he played his part in Glasgow’s progression to both the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals and the Guinness PRO14 final in 2019.

Kebble’s two tries for the club to date both came against Welsh opposition in the 2018/19 campaign, following up a try against the Dragons at Scotstoun in September with a score in January’s Heineken Champions Cup victory at home to Cardiff Blues.

He is the second generation of his family to play in the front-row at the highest level – his father Guy won four caps for South Africa as a prop in the mid-1990s.

Kebble is the second player to put pen-to-paper on a new deal at Scotstoun within the last five days, following the announcement of Stafford McDowall’s new three-year contract.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Oli Kebble said: “It was a pretty easy decision to stay, I’m glad it’s all sorted now and I’m ready to put my best foot forward for the team. I’ve got a big three years ahead of me, so I’m very happy. I’ll do my best for the Warriors for the next three seasons.

I really enjoyed last season making the Guinness PRO14 Final at Celtic Park, which was a really special experience, but outside of the rugby I’ve enjoyed spending time with the boys.

“We’re a very aspirational club and that was a big reason I wanted to stay – to be part of a league-leading side and I think we’ve got all the right resources, with a great coaching team and a great group of players.”

Glasgow Warriors assistant coach John Dalziel, added: “It’s great that Oli sees his long-term future in Glasgow.

“He’s made a real difference to our set-piece and his work around the park has also impressed us.

“In open play, Oli is equally as comfortable distributing as he is carrying, which is crucial for us and allows us play the expansive style of rugby we have become known for.

“He’s a huge, physical presence and it’s great for the club that he is going to be part of our pack for the foreseeable future.”