RICHIE GRAY SEALS GLASGOW RETURN
Securing the return of Gray is just the start of a signing spree for Warriors, vows Wilson
GLASGOW Warriors fans have been promised more signings after Scotland and Lions lock Richie Gray became the first player recruited by incoming head coach Danny Wilson.
Gray’s summer return to his first professional club was confirmed yesterday, just days after it was announced younger brother Jonny is leaving to join Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season.
The elder Gray sibling, who helped Toulouse to a French Top 14 title last season, has also played for Castres and Sale since leaving Glasgow in 2012.
Warriors fans will hope the 30-year-old’s arrival helps redress the balance following the loss of a number of high-profile Scotland stars, including Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.
It may also bring spin-off benefits for Scotland, with Gray — who twice rejected invitations to join Gregor Townsend’s training squad ahead of last year’s World Cup — having already informed the head coach of his availability for future selection.
Scotland assistant Wilson, who replaces Dave Rennie at the end of the current campaign, said Gray’s arrival would not be the last piece of business done by Glasgow.
‘Richie is our first new signing for next season, following the announcement of a number of renewals recently,’ he said.
‘And we hope to be able to make further announcements in relation to next season’s squad over the coming weeks. During my conversations with Richie, it was clear he was very passionate about the club and he’ll be an excellent addition to our squad.
‘He brings a wealth of experience from his time playing in England, France and internationally with Scotland and the British & Irish Lions. It’s great news that he has decided to come home to Glasgow next season and we’re looking forward to him joining us in the summer.’
Currently recovering from a head knock and still to pass a medical before he officially signs, Gray is eager to get back to Scotland.
‘I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Glasgow,’ he said. ‘It’s great to be bringing my family back home and also to come back to the club where it all began for me. It’s certainly something very exciting for me.
‘I can’t wait to come back. We were still at Firhill when I left back in 2012 and the club has obviously made big moves forward since then.
‘Scotstoun is a great place to play rugby — it’s packed every week and I can’t wait to be a part of that.
‘Danny (Wilson) is great — he’s really enthusiastic about the club and is very ambitious.
‘We’re both on the same page and we’re both really looking forward to the challenge ahead.
‘My focus until the end of the season is fully on Toulouse. I want to try and add a couple more titles to this club’s trophy cabinet.
‘I’ve learnt a lot and gained a lot of experience and been part of a successful side over the last couple of years.
‘I want to bring that experience back to Glasgow and win titles with the Warriors.
‘To come back and play at Scotstoun in front of my family, friends and the Warrior Nation was a huge factor in my decision.
‘The club’s had so much success in recent years in getting to the knockout stages of the Guinness Pro14 and Heineken Champions Cup. I want to come back and be a part of that.’
Gray, whose signing indicates that Leone Nakarawa’s own return won’t last beyond the end of this season, made 47 appearances for Warriors in his first stint while winning 55 caps for Scotland — and coming off the bench in the third Test victory for the Lions on their 2013 tour of Australia.
Gray has not played for Scotland since 2018, but Townsend made it clear this week that he still sees the 6ft 10in forward as part of his plans.
Asked if Gray was now available for selection, Townsend said: ‘Yes. Last year was a different context.
‘Given the Top 14 season, especially with Toulouse, they were still playing when we were coming into our camp.
‘He came back from injuries and it was too much of a commitment.
‘He felt he wouldn’t be able to train or play at his best after the season he’d had.
‘I know it would have been a difficult decision because, in a couple of phone calls, I could tell he was really eager to be in the squad.
‘On reflection, he said it wasn’t right for him — but next season would be a different story. That’s how we view it as well.’
Gray might be seen in dark blue before he even completes his long-term return to Scotland, then, depending on injuries as the Six Nations progresses.
After the summer, when he is freed from the demands of the French club game and given more opportunities to train with Scotland, we may witness his full international renaissance.