Delight for Fusaro at ninth year in Glasgow

Glasgow flanker Chris Fusaro is set to rack up a ninth year with the Warriors after agreeing a new 12-month contract.

The 29-year-old has put in 142 appearances for the Scotstoun outfit and was hailed by head coach Dave Rennie at last year’s club player of the year dinner.

Now the Scotland international has been rewarded with a fresh deal. Fifeborn Fusaro said: “It’s an absolute delight to sign again for me and the family. I’ve got two young kids who were born in Glasgow, this is definitely home, so to be able to stay another year is a real privilege.

“It was really good last season having a different perspective from a new coach coming in, the brand of rugby he has got us playing really excites me.

“Physically I feel the best I have in the past four years. I’ve managed to stay relatively injury free and am raring to go for the start of the season.”

Rennie added: “Chris won our coaches award last year which is dished out to the person we feel best represents the values of the club on and off the field.

“His contributions around the team are massive. From a playing perspective he’s setting personal bests for speed and strength and had showed good form on the park last season.

“He was a must in our 23 for all the big games at the end of last season and it was important for us to find space in the squad for Fuzzy and we’re rapt that we’ve been able to do that.”

Lock Kiran Mcdonald has been ruled out for at least four months following surgery on a hand injury picked up during preseason training.

Meanwhile, former Ireland captain Paul O’connell has been named as forwards coach by Top 14 side Stade Francais.

O’connell won 108 caps for Ireland and retired in February 2016 due to a serious hamstring injury.

Stade will be looking to massively improve on last season’s league performances which saw the 14-time Top 14 champions finish 12th.