Richie Gray, a second rower for Scotland, has revealed that he will be leaving Glasgow Warriors next month to look for a playing chance abroad.
Gray, who debuted for Glasgow in 2009, played for the club for two seasons before switching to Sale Sharks, Castres, and Toulouse, where he won the Top 14 championship in 2019 before going back to Scotstoun the following year.
In 2013, the 35-year-old, who has 79 caps for Scotland, traveled with the British and Irish Lions.
According to Scotland Rugby News, Gray’s offer comes from a Japanese team, and the timing of his departure raises the possibility that the Scotland international may play in the Top League, which starts in December.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Glasgow Warriors, from the supporters to the backroom team to the players I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years,” Gray said.
“We won the URC together last season, which was an amazing accomplishment, and I’ve had amazing support the entire time I’ve been here, from the first day I went onto the field to the past few years after that. This crew is fantastic, and it meant a lot to raise the trophy together.”
Gray, who played at Firhill in his early days, commended the club’s expansion.
“It’s such a proud feeling to see where this club is now,” the lock continued. “When I first came through, we were still playing out at Firhill in front of a couple of thousand people.”
“To see how everyone has pulled together in the last few years and really grown the club to where we are today shows that we’re in a great place.”
Although the Warriors will be devastated by his departure, Gray also complimented the depth and strength of the Warriors’ roster.
“I’m very interested to see how the young guys in the second row develop,” he remarked. Young Max Wilson and Alex Samuel are such an exciting combination for Glasgow and Scotland, and Scott Cummings has developed tremendously in recent years, both on the field and off it.
“You look at the two of them and you know they’ll be the future of the second row. When I first came back, they were just starting out in the academy.
From calling lineouts to presiding over meetings and handling everything else around the club that supporters might not see, they have handled everything with ease.
“I’m eager to see how they progress, especially people like Jare [Oguntibeju], who got a few opportunities in the preseason, demonstrate that the future in the second row is undoubtedly bright.
“My family and I are excited to be moving, and I see this as a great chance. I’m eagerly anticipating the task that lies ahead of me.
But I’ll be returning here eventually with the family, for sure. My home is Glasgow, and I have no doubt that one day I’ll be here in the grandstand cheering on the Warrior Nation.
“Richie has been a fantastic servant to this club, both on and off the field,” head coach Franco Smith said in addition to wishing Gray luck on his new journey.
“Although losing him will be painful, at this point in his career, this is a huge chance for him.
“As your career is nearing to a close, I know firsthand how important a chance like this is, and I’m really happy of the way he has conducted business.
“We wish him all the best, and his influence will stand us in good stead even after he has moved on.”
