Keatley relishing fresh start with Glasgow

FORMER Munster and Ireland outhalf Ian Keatley says he is relishing a fresh challenge after joining Glasgow Warriors until the end of the season.

As reported by the Irish Independent last week, Keatley left Benetton by mutual consent and had agreed a move to Glasgow.

The 33-year-old will be hoping to kick-start his career in Scotland having found game-time hard to come by towards the latter stages of his Benetton career.

Keatley joined the Italian outfit in 2019, but has decided to move closer to home with his young family.

“It’s a strange time to be joining the team with everything that’s going on with Covid. However, I’m really happy to be joining a club and a city with a proud rugby history,” the seven-times-capped Ireland international said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to start on a fresh slate with Glasgow and I’m excited to begin working with Danny (Wilson) and his coaching team.

“This club is a top-quality outfit and I’m relishing the chance to be able to play alongside some of its top-quality talent.”

Glasgow recently signed Scotland out-half Duncan Weir, who will return to the club to replace the outgoing Adam Hastings, who will join Gloucester next season.

The Scottish outfit sit in fourth place of the PRO14’s Conference A and have been linked with Ben Healy, but Munster are believed to be negotiating a new contract with the talented 21-year-old.

Glasgow head coach Wilson welcomed the signing of the vastly experienced Keatley.

“Ian has been a fantastic player over the years for Munster, Connacht and more recently at Benetton,” he said.

“His experience will be great from a performance point of view. He will also be invaluable to the development of our young players.”