Sean told glasgowwarriors.org: “We are planning ahead for next season with a view to having as competitive a squad as possible as many of our international players will be away at the World Cup and the Six Nations over the coming year.
“I felt it was in the best interests of Glasgow Warriors to let Richie go and focus on the players we will have at our disposal – such as Robert Harley, Ryan Wilson and Chris Fusaro – during the international periods whilst retaining some of our more established internationalists – in John Barclay and Johnnie Beattie – who will bolster the squad on their return. Contrary to today’s reporting in the Scotsman, money did not feature in my decision making process as I did not make an offer to Richie.
“We receive great backing from Scottish Rugby to retain the talent I feel will take Glasgow Warriors forward, and with that in mind, I have allowed Richie to leave with the club’s best wishes.”
Warriors chief executive, Kenny Baillie, added: “The Rugby World Cup in New Zealand is going to be a incredible event and I am absolutely sure that all Glasgow Warriors fans will feel hugely proud to see as many Warriors players representing Scotland on the biggest stage as possible.
“With both Richie and Johnnie Beattie hoping to be on the plane to New Zealand, Sean’s decision to allow Richie to move on at the end of the season is the right one for the Warriors, simply because having two of our senior No.8s unavailable for selection would leave our back row a little thin on the ground for the first eight rounds of the 2011/12 Magners League season.
“During his time with the Warriors, Richie has become an established international back row forward and has made a substantial contribution to the Club over the last four seasons. Along with all Warriors supporters I would like to thank Richie for his valuable contribution to the Club and wish him the very best in the future. “