Gray extends contract with Glasgow Warriors

Scotland and British and Irish Lions second-rower Richie Gray has pledged his future to Glasgow Warriors, after agreeing a new contract extension with his hometown club ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The 32-year-old brings a wealth of top-flight experience to the engine room, having made 77 appearances for the club to date across his two spells in Glasgow colours.

Having made his debut against Ulster in March 2009, the Cambuslang product was earmarked as one to watch after being awarded the prestigious Sir Willie Purves Quaich in 2009.

A series of head-turning displays in both domestic and European competition soon established Gray as an integral part of the Glasgow pack, being named in the PRO12 Dream Team for the 2010/11 season after a superb run of form in the competition.

His unforgettable match-winning try against Bath in the Heineken Cup at Firhill remains a highlight in the minds of many a Glasgow supporter, before the second-rower made the switch to Sale Sharks for the 2012/13 campaign.

A single season in the English premiership preceded a highly successful seven-year stint in France, with Gray representing both Castres and Toulouse during his time in the TOP14.

His final full campaign in France saw him help Toulouse to the TOP14 title, coming off the bench in a nail-biting 24-18 win over Clermont in the competition’s showpiece event.

Gray became Danny Wilson’s first signing as Glasgow Warriors Head Coach in early 2020, quickly reminding the Warrior Nation of his skill-set at the set-piece.

A standout series of performances saw him voted as the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month for January 2021, whilst no player has stolen more lineouts in the United Rugby Championship than Gray’s 10 so far this season.

Standing at 6’ 10”, he has also represented his country with distinction in his career so far, winning 67 caps for Scotland since his debut against France in the 2010 Six Nations.

Gray’s displays in the dark blue jersey earned him selection for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, coming off the bench to win a prestigious Test cap in the series decider.

Away from rugby, the second-rower has a degree in engineering and has been working closely with the club’s sponsors and partners, including Official Community Partner SP Energy Networks, to further his dual career.

“I’m chuffed to be able to re-sign,” Gray told glasgowwarriors.org.

“This club means a lot to me – it’s where I started my professional rugby journey and it’s an environment that makes it a real pleasure to come into training every day and go to work.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby since returning to Glasgow, and to be able to continue to pull on the Glasgow jersey is a real privilege.

“We’ve got a talented group of players at Scotstoun and I truly believe this squad is capable of some great things in the near future.”

Head Coach Danny Wilson added: “Richie’s form has been excellent ever since he returned to Glasgow.

“Not only has his lineout work been top-class, but he’s contributed hugely around the field with a very high work rate with and without the ball.

“He brings a wealth of experience to our squad and provides a great role model for our young group of forwards in the playing group. He’s a great professional and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.”