Dundonian Richie Vernon clinches deal to join ambitious London Scottish–

Scotland World Cup star Richie Vernon has clinched a deal to join ambitious London Scottish.

The versatile player is making the switch from Glasgow, where he spent a decade.

Vernon – who can operate in the backline or breakaway unit – said: “I’m really excited to be heading south.

“I enjoyed hearing the vision that the management have for the club and was immediately convinced it was the right move.

“It was a unique opportunity that was too good to pass up.”

Dundonian Vernon has earned 24 Scotland caps and London Scottish chairman Malcolm Offord declared: “This is a significant signing for us.

“Richie is an international standard player and to have him in our squad next season is a real statement of aspiration.

“I have been so impressed by Richie’s drive to continue playing top-level sport while preparing for life after rugby.”

Vernon is currently sitting exams for a business and economics degree.

Offord added: “We are looking forward to working with Richie and helping him with his transition into a career in the City.”

Glasgow supremo Dave Rennie said: “Richie is an incredibly good man and has contributed a hell of a lot to the club.”

European rugby’s blue riband club competition will be renamed the Heineken Champions Cup from next season.

International brewing giant Heineken will return as title partner on a four-year deal, tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby announced.

Europe’s premier club knockout tournament was called the Heineken Cup between 1995 and 2014, before it became the European Champions Cup.