Glasgow Warriors miss out on Rory Sutherland as prop opts for Ulster

Glasgow Warriors’ hopes of bringing Rory Sutherland to Scotstoun have been dashed after the Scotland prop signed a deal to join Ulster.

Scotland prop Rory Sutherland has joined Ulster. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Sutherland was a free agent after his contract at Worcester Warriors was terminated last week following the Gallagher Premiership side’s financial implosion.

There had been speculation that the former Edinburgh forward would return to Scottish rugby, like Duhan van der Merwe who rejoined the capital club from Worcester last Wednesday.

Franco Smith, the Glasgow Warriors coach, said on Friday he was interested in Sutherland but by then the player was already being heavily linked with Ulster.

They announced his signing on Saturday evening on what is believed to be a short-term deal, initially at least.

There are strong Scottish connections among the coaching and executive staff at Ulster. Head coach Dan McFarland worked previously with Glasgow and Scotland and said he was delighted to land Sutherland.

“Having Rory’s level of competitiveness at scrum training is going to test and teach the very best we have, something as a scrum coach and former prop I have experienced first-hand and am now excited to be a part of,” he told the club’s website.

Sutherland, capped 20 times for Scotland and twice by the British & Irish Lions, said: “My thanks go out to everyone in the rugby community who has supported myself, and all those at Worcester, over the past while during what has been a heartbreaking time for players and staff alike.

“However, I’m looking forward to linking up with Ulster, and getting stuck into the BKT URC and the many familiar faces and rivals that it will bring.”