Gray is thriving under Franco

RICHIE Gray praised head coach Franco Smith for “bringing out the best in him” after he signed a new contract with Glasgow that ties him to his hometown club “for the foreseeable future”.

After eight years in France, the 33-year-old lock returned to the Warriors in the summer of 2020 and, after drifting to the fringes of the international set-up, has reestablished himself as a first choice for Scotland this season, winning his 73rd cap in Sunday’s Six Nations defeat by Ireland.

Gray (above) is delighted to have committed his future to Glasgow, where he has been flourishing under Smith this term.

“The main factor for me staying is that my family is happy and I’m happy, simple as that,” he told Warriors’ website after re-signing.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the environment at the club, as it ensures everyone involved pushes hard to be at their best on and off the park.

“I’m really enjoying playing under Franco, too. He’s a big character and the team has bought into his philosophy of attacking rugby which suits Glasgow Warriors. He has challenged me as a player, which I believe has brought the best out of me.

“If we can continue to grow in other areas we will be able to challenge for titles, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to being a part of.”

Smith is thrilled to have retained the services of Gray.

“Richie is someone who brings an immense amount of experience and quality to our squad,” said the coach.

“His expertise at the lineout is a significant asset to us on the field, whilst his dedication to driving our standards to a higher level makes him a great role model for our young players coming through.

“We enjoy working with him day in, day out, and we look forward to seeing him continue to give everything to this club.”

Gray is currently battling to recover from a minor rib injury in time to turn out for Scotland against Italy on Saturday.