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May 10, 2004

Glenn to leave Glasgow

Posted by Editor on May 10, 2004 05:53 PM | 4 comments | Print | E-mail author

Glenn Metcalfe will leave Glasgow at the end of the season
Glenn Metcalfe, one of Glasgow's most popular players, will be leaving the club at the end of this season with his likely destination being France

As Glenn departs, his Scotland colleague, Andy Craig, the 28-year-old Orrell centre, will be joining Glasgow for next season.

Glenn first sampled rugby in Scotland with Glasgow Accies and was a member of the Glasgow Hawks team that won both the Tennents Premiership Division 2 title and the Tennent's Velvet Cup.

Glenn has played 112 games and scored 27 tries for Glasgow and has played 40 internationals for Scotland, scoring four tries. His international career started and finished against Australia. He made his debut in the 1998 tour match against the Wallabies in Sydney, and his finale in a Scotland jersey was last year's Rugby World Cup quarter-final Australia in Brisbane.

Like many in Scottish rugby, Hugh Campbell, Glasgow's head coach, will be sorry to see Metcalfe’s departure. "Glenn's been outstanding for Glasgow and Scottish rugby. He has been a superb ambassador for rugby, recognised worldwide," the coach remarked in echoing the view of many in Scottish rugby.

"We wish him well for his new venture," the coach added.

"I'm sorry to be leaving Glasgow," said 34-year-old Glenn. "I've been with Glasgow throughout my professional career, and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. But I think this is the time to try something different."

He does not yet know where he will be playing next season. "I've got a few options. But I'll wait to see what happens at the end of the French season," Glenn explained.

Craig, the first of Glasgow's newcomers to be confirmed for next season, has played 16 internationals for Scotland. He made his debut against Canada in Vancouver on the 2002 tour to North America, and, most recently, he was in Scotland’s World Cup squad last year, playing against Japan, the United States, and France.

He has yet to sign a contract. "But we've agreed everything in principle,” David Jordan, Glasgow's chief executive, explained today.

Craig was born in St Helens, Merseyside, but he qualifies for Scotland as his maternal grandfather was born in Aberdeen.

Comments
Posted by big john on May 11, 2004 08:26 AM | Reply to this comment

Anyone care to comment now on the policy regarding "looking to the future"..? Well done Glasgow and Glenn... Whilst I think Glenn was one of the top 3 fullbacks ever to represent Scotland, he cannot be considered "the future". Whereas Andy Craig has got experience and is still the right side of 30... roll on next season! Rory Kerr for 15?

Posted by A True Warrior on May 11, 2004 10:57 AM | Reply to this comment

Andy Craig is a good signing, however can not agree that letting Glen go is a good idea. Craig may bring a bit of experience, however he is not any more experienced in midfield than Andy Henderson, Glen brings two World Cups worth of experience and composure to the back three. Glens abscence next season will be a massive lose to Glasgow. This season neither Lamont or Kerr have looked as dangerous without Glen in the side.

Posted by big john on May 11, 2004 01:34 PM | Reply to this comment

So are you suggesting "Mr True Warrior" that we should hang on to Snowie until he starts to lose it... I don't think it realistic to expect a full-back to be able to play in a top class league in his mid 30's.. I would much rather he leaves prior to that happening, and we can use the money, from his no doubt top end salary, to bring in a player or two who will be with us for perhaps four or five seasons.

Good luck to Glenn. I assume he is going somewhere for a final pay day before he gets the pipe and slippers out.

Posted by Gordon on May 11, 2004 10:39 AM | Reply to this comment

Excellent piece by Bill McMurtrie about Glenn.
http://www.scottishrugby.org/proteam/glasgow/

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