Scott Wight signs up as Glasgow look to add to squad

GLASGOW Warriors coach Gregor Townsend is continuing to sign up his existing squad on new deals, but may still add “one or two” more players this summer.

Glasgow outside-half Scott Wight has signed a new contract. Picture: SNS

Scott Wight has agreed an extension to the summer of 2014 after impressing since he joined from Melrose in 2011, despite struggling for starts behind Scotland internationalists Ruaridh Jackson and Duncan Weir, and now Peter Horne.

Townsend insisted that the 27-year-old stand-off remained an important cog in the strength in depth he desires to maintain the Warriors’ push for Celtic and European honours.

“I believe Scott has a big future in the professional game,” said Townsend. “His first year was about adjusting to the demands of a professional, and he has done that and become an excellent leader in our attack and positive influence on those around him.

“With Duncan [Weir] out injured and Ruaridh [Jackson] away with Scotland this summer, he will have the first opportunity in pre-season, and I expect him to be even more competitive for the No10 jersey this season.”

Wight, who has made 22 appearances and scored 69 points, said: “There is a lot of competition for places at the club, but that is healthy as it pushes you on and makes you a better player.

“I’ve really enjoyed the last couple of years in Glasgow and I believe we can only get better next season.”

Glasgow have re-signed Wight, Al Kellock, DTH van der Merwe, Jon Welsh, Mark Bennett, Michael Cusack, Niko Matawalu, Pat MacArthur, Peter Murchie, Tom Ryder and Tommy Seymour, in addition to bringing Richie Vernon back from Sale, and they have signed up Fraser Brown, Kevin Bryce and Jonny Gray from the club and academy set-up.

Meanwhile, they have lost Graeme Morrison and Rory Lamont to retirement and John Barclay to the Scarlets, with Nick Campbell, Troy Nathan, Taylor Paris, Angus Macdonald and Viliami Ma’afu also having departed.

But, with Matawalu, Josh Strauss and Sean Maitland in, Townsend said: “I’m very happy with the squad. The priority for me has been to sign the boys who are improving and are a big part of Glasgow’s future.

“We are being affected more and more by international call-ups – we have about 25 players away this summer – which is great, but it means we are constantly looking at ensuring we have the strength in depth to compete for silverware.

“There is room within our budget to add one or two more players, and we are looking at players in the club game in Scotland – which I rate highly – and outside Scotland.”