STICKING AROUND
Nakarawa decides not to chase the money as he commits to Warriors
GLASGOW Warriors have pulled off a major coup after Leone Nakarawa agreed to extend his contract with the club until next summer.
The 32-year-old Fijian star returned to the Warriors initially on a short-term deal back in January after being controversially sacked by French side Racing 92. Nakarawa made just two appearances before the coronavirus pandemic seemed like it had brought his second spell at the club to a premature conclusion.
The former European Player of the Year is understood to have had several more lucrative offers from clubs in the English Premiership and French Top14.
But he has chosen to remain at Scotstoun, where a previous three-year stint included a stunning man-of-the-match display in the final as Glasgow won the Pro12 title in 2015.
With the deal having been agreed prior to lockdown, the signing of such a marquee player represents a major boost for all concerned at the club.
Warriors fans have become frustrated in recent years as the likes of Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Jonny Gray have been lured away from the club year after year.
But Gray’s brother, Richie, could well form an exciting new-look second-row with Nakarawa next season after he was signed from Toulouse.
With the likes of Scott Cummings also beginning to flourish at lock for Scotland, the presence of such a world-class talent like Nakarawa will only further aid his development.
New Glasgow head coach Danny Wilson was understandably thrilled with Nakarawa’s new deal, saying: ‘Leone is a world-class rugby player and a really exciting addition to the Warriors squad for next season.
‘His reputation as an attacking threat goes before him and, as a coach, I know from experience how difficult he is to prepare against.
‘Leone offers expertise and experience in a variety of positions in the pack and I know how popular he is with players and supporters.
‘I’m looking forward to working with him as we move forward into the new season and conclude the 2019/20 season.’ Nakarawa made only two appearances for Glasgow after rejoining the club at the turn of the year, but his impact was plain for all to see.
His trademark offloading skills provided fans with some rich entertainment and he scored the opening try as Glasgow thrashed Sale Sharks 45-7 in the Champions Cup in January.
Nakarawa is currently in Fiji and will remain and train in the country until August as he awaits the birth of his child.