RENNIE’S PERFECT BOOST TO WARRIORS AS COACH SIGNS EXTENDED DEAL
Coach delighted to extend his contract with Warriors
DAVE RENNIE has handed Glasgow Warriors a major boost by extending his contract at Scotstoun for at least one more season. And the head coach is hoping to increase the feelgood factor even further by convincing Scotland fly-half Adam Hastings to prolong his stay at the club, too.
Rennie, who turned 54 yesterday, revealed that his own deal has practically been sealed, with only the final paperwork to be completed on an agreement that will keep him at the Warriors for next season.
Retaining the sought-after Kiwi is a huge plus for Glasgow, especially after it was announced that star man Stuart Hogg will be joining Exeter Chiefs in the summer and centre Huw Jones is in advanced talks to join Leicester Tigers.
Should Rennie persuade rising star Hastings — who is among 16 high-profile Warriors players out of contract — to join him in staying for longer it would go some way towards cushioning the blow of losing of that key pair.
Asked where he was likely to find himself next season, Rennie revealed yesterday: ‘I’ll be here. We’ve been in discussions for a long time. I’m loving it here. They’re good people, so I’m keen to stay longer.
‘From a contracting point of view with the players, everyone wants clarity about what things are going to look like next year, hence the reason we’ve been keen to get things sorted. ‘There are still a few things to sort out but I’ll definitely be here next year. How long? At least another 12 months, put it that way.
‘I’m reluctant to talk too much about the guys out of contract. There are a number who have offers in front of them. There will be the odd guy leaving but all I will say is that we’re keen to keep Adam here and he is keen to stay.’
In Rennie’s first and only full season to date at Glasgow his team won their Pro14 section but lost in the semi-final play-off at home to Scarlets. They struggled at European level, however, failing to make the knockout stages after finishing bottom of their pool.
This season they again sit top of Pro14 Conference A, eight points ahead of second-placed Munster, and already look set for the playoffs for a second year in a row.
They have had a mixed start to their European campaign, with a home defeat to Saracens followed by an away win over Cardiff Blues.
Rennie, who joined Glasgow in the summer of 2017 after a successful coaching career with Wellington, Hurricanes, the New Zealand Under-20s and the Chiefs, has enhanced his reputation since moving to Scotland.
The Warriors have won far more games than they have lost on his watch and their attacking style of play has won admirers. Fans have also bought into the team’s approach with sold out signs going up for all home matches during the New Zealander’s time in charge.
Rennie even made the shortlist to be the new Wales coach after the 2019 World Cup, losing out in the end to Wayne Pivac of the Scarlets.
Now it looks likely he will stay at Glasgow until an attractive international coaching job comes around.
His focus now is on preparing his players for tonight’s league match against Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun, with Scotland internationals Tommy Seymour, Ali Price and Peter Horne back in the fold after missing out on tomorrow’s Argentina clash at Murrayfield.
‘Gregor (Townsend) said most players would only play three of the four Tests so, from our perspective, getting those guys back this week gives us a lot more experience,’ said Rennie.
‘We’re excited by that. The guys coming back will play this week and they can have next week off.’
Tonight’s match will be a special one for winger Niko Matawalu, who plays his 100th game for the club.
‘It is a proud day for Niko and his family and hopefully we’ll see that bit of magic from him with ball in hand,’ said the head coach. ‘We also have Tim Swinson back after a long lay-off in the second row which is also good news for us.’ GLASGOW: Jackson; Seymour, Grigg, McDowall, Matawalu; P Horne, Price; Bhatti, Turner, Rae, Harley, McDonald, Ashe, Gibbins (capt), Fagerson. CARDIFF BLUES: T Williams; Summerhill, Smith, Halaholo, Harries; Evans, L Williams (capt); Thyer, Dacey, Assiratti, Earle, Davies, Turnbull, Robinson, N Williams. Kick-off 7.35pm, live on Freesports.