Warriors woe as Gray eyes a summer exit
GLASGOW WARRIORS are set to lose Scotland international Jonny Gray at the end of the season, which will only bolster their desire to sign Leone Nakarawa as a permanent replacement on a long-term deal. Sportsmail understands that, unless Gray has a last-minute change of heart, the 25-year-old will leave Scotstoun when his current contract runs out in
the summer. Losing the 55-times-capped second row so soon after the departures of Finn Russell and then Stuart Hogg will be a massive blow to the club and their supporters. There has already been interest in Gray’s services from clubs in France and England and a bidding war is expected for his signature. Glasgow have put a decent offer on the table for him to stay but it is not all about money for the player, who signed for his home city club as a teenager and wants a fresh challenge after eight years. Leaving Glasgow did his older brother Richie no harm, as he carved out a successful career at Castres and Toulouse after a short spell at Sale Sharks. Warriors have been trying to sign Fijian international Nakarawa since he was sacked by Racing 92 for returning late to the club after the World Cup. Initially, they planned to secure him on a short-term deal but, with Gray set to be on his way, it makes sense for them to try to get him on a long-term arrangement. Signing a world-class player like Nakarawa would help appease supporters unhappy at the prospect of Gray’s exit.