Warriors delightat newdeal forNiko
NIKO MATAWALU has handed Glasgow a pre-derby boost by agreeing an extended deal.
The Fiji World Cup star’s second spell with Warriors had been due to end at the end of the season. But his new contact will keep him at Scotstoun until May 2018.
Ahead of Saturday’s 1872 Cup opener at Edinburgh, Matawalu said: “I’m hugely excited to be staying for a further year.
“When you’re happy you will perform well.
“I love playing in front of our supporters and I’m enjoying working with the coach Dave Rennie.”
Warriors assistant coach, Kenny Murray added: “Some of Niko’s performances this season have been outstanding. He has fitted back in really well with the team. Our high-tempo, highpaced game really suits Niko.
“He’s a big fans’ favourite. You hear that from the crowd whenever his name gets announced. He brings an X factor in attack that people want to pay money to watch.”
Meanwhile, James Ritchie is delighted to be staying with Edinburgh until 2020.
The 21-year-old flanker said: “Our coach Richard Cockerill is building something incredibly strong here and I want to be a part of that process.”
● It was confirmed last night the 1872 Cup will be decided over three contests instead of the usual two.
The teams go head to head in the second leg at Scotstoun a week on Saturday, with the third game at Murrayfield at the end of April.
Edinburgh managing director Jonny Petrie, said: “The best-out-of-three format will be like a mini Lions series.”