New deal for Glasgow Warriors half-back with big role to play against Toulon

Afshar, 23, has been given a boost ahead of the game by signing a new two-year contract which ties him to the Warriors until the end of the 2028-29 season.

It’s reward for his consistency over the last couple of years, with the half-back forcing himself into Franco Smith’s squad for a string of important games.

Scrum-half is a highly competitive position at Glasgow where Afshar has Scotland duo Horne and Jamie Dobie ahead of him in the queue but an opportunity looms against Toulon. Dobie is currently sidelined by the shoulder injury he sustained against England in the Six Nations and Horne had to come off after half an hour of last Saturday’s win over the Bulls in the Champions Cup round of 16.

Set for a role against Toulon

Afshar impressed after replacing Horne in the 25-21 win over the South African side and is likely to be involved again this Saturday. Horne, who hurt his ankle, is touch and go for the Toulon match and Smith will almost certainly turn to Afshar if the former doesn’t make it. If Horne is passed fit, Afshar is still likely to have a role to play as a replacement.

The Edinburgh-born scrum-half said he was happy to commit his future to the Warriors.

“It’s been a really good few years and I’m enjoying being part of the set-up,” he said. “The brand of rugby we play and the success we’ve seen over the last couple of years has been great and it’s a really exciting time to be a part of this club.

“There’s so much squad rotation that it really helps you build relationships with those around you, and it helps everyone build so much experience too. There’s also a big emphasis on improving as a person, too – it’s not all about how you are on the field, but Franco always says good people make good players. Being able to learn from the older boys here is brilliant.

A multi-positional asset

“I’ve had a couple of run-outs on the wing this year, and being able to be multi-positional is a huge asset – it’s a string I’m always happy to add to my bow. We run the six-two split on the bench here, and you look at the success Dobie has had covering both scrum-half and wing – I’m not saying I’m anywhere near his level yet, but having that versatility and understanding is only a good thing.”

Afshar, a former Scotland Under-20 captain, has made 35 appearances for Glasgow, having made his debut off the bench in a 33-20 home win over Ulster in November 2023 after coming through the senior academy at Scotstoun.

He played for Scotland A in the 24-24 draw with an Italy XV in Rieti in February and previously represented the side in the win over Chile in Edinburgh in 2024.

Head coach Smith said: “Ben continues to grow and develop as a player, and we are pleased that he will be continuing his progression at Scotstoun for the next couple of seasons. He works hard to improve all areas of his game, and is keen to learn from those around him at every opportunity.”