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May 02, 2018

Departing Warriors confirmed

Posted by Editor on May 2, 2018 04:13 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Richie Vernon is moving on at the end of the season
Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the group of players that will be leaving the club at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Scotland international Richie Vernon, along with Italy internationals Leonardo Sarto and Samuela Vunisa will move on at the end of the current campaign.

It has already been confirmed that fly-half Finn Russell will be leaving and forwards Pat MacArthur and Ryan Grant will be hanging up their boots.

Richie Vernon began his career in the back-row before transitioning to the midfield and the 30-year-old has represented the Warriors on 98 occasions across two spells with the club, scoring five tries. He has 24 caps for Scotland and has represented his country at both the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.

A key member of the title-winning side of 2014/15, Vernon made a number of telling contributions in the club's most famous season to date. It was the centre's try against Ulster that secured the bonus-point victory required to secure a home semi-final.

Just a week later, his intervention prevented Munster captain Paul O'Connell from grounding the ball for a try at a crucial period in the PRO12 Final, with the Warriors going on to record a 31-13 victory and a historic first league title.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Richie said: "I feel really privileged to have spent nine years here and played a small part in the journey the club has been on in that time.

"I'll leave with some incredible memories of special times shared with players, coaches and fans.

"I hope we can finish it by winning the Guinness PRO14."

Leonardo Sarto was signed from Zebre in the summer of 2016 and the winger has crossed for nine tries in his 18 appearances for the club.

Fijian-born back-row Samuela Vunisa departs after one season in Glasgow, having made five appearances in a Warriors jersey since arriving from Saracens last summer.

Speaking on those departing, Glasgow Warriors head coach, Dave Rennie said: "All the best to the players leaving the club at the end of the season.

"They will be recognised tonight at our Awards Dinner at the Radisson Blu.

"They have given a lot to the club and the whole squad is determined to finish the season on a high."

Glasgow Warriors Leavers 2017/18
Pat MacArthur - 6 Scotland caps, 165 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 4 tries
Ryan Grant - 3 British and Irish Lions appearances, 25 Scotland caps, 112 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 8 tries
Richie Vernon - 24 Scotland caps, 98 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 5 tries
Finn Russell - 1 British and Irish Lions appearance, 37 Scotland caps, 79 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 590 points, 7 tries
Leonardo Sarto - 34 Italy caps, 18 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 9 tries
Samuela Vunisa - 11 Italy caps, 5 Glasgow Warriors appearances, 1 try