McLean signed his first professional contract for Glasgow Warriors in June 2020.[3] He made his debut for Glasgow Warriors in the re-arranged Round 9 of the 2020–21 Pro14 against Edinburgh.[4] He won the Warriors 'Try of the Season' award for 2020/21 for a try against Dragons at the Principality Stadium.
His time at Glasgow Warriors was cut short when the club terminated his contract after he pleaded guilty in court to domestic abuse against his girlfriend,[5] stating that his actions "constituted gross misconduct and breach of contract". It was revealed in court that McLean abused his partner for a period of over two years,[6] for which he was issued a 10-year non-harassment order and sentenced to 120 hours of community service.
He was announced in the American Raptors squad for 2024.[7]
International career
McLean has been capped at Scotland U18s and Scotland U20s scoring 4 tries in 6 appearances for the latter.