Lock Tom Ryder signs new contract to stay at Scotstoun until 2015

Published on 14/12/2012 00:00

GLASGOW have been given a major boost ahead of this weekend’s Heineken Cup clash away at Castres with news that second row Tom Ryder has signed a new contract which will keep him at Scotstoun until at least May 2015.

The 27-year-old former Saracens lock initially joined the Warriors on loan in August 2010 but, having impressed during that short spell, returned north full-time in February 2011.

One of the most consistent performers in the engine room of the pack, he has since made more than 50 appearances for the Warriors and has played in all but one match this season for coach Gregor Townsend’s side.

His consistent excellence was recognised last season when he was named in the RaboDirect PRO12 Dream Team.

Ryder said: “I’m delighted to have signed this contract extension and get to play my part in the buzz that’s happening around the Warriors.

“This is a tight knit group and one that is very focused on the goals of the club and the targets that have been set.

“There’s some stiff competition here to get in the squad, with Tim [Swinson] and captain Al Kellock but that just drives us on to get better as players.

“For me that’s a big part of staying here, developing further as a player and helping the team succeed.

“This was an easy decision for me to make both professionally and personally.”

Ryder played 96 games in all for Saracens and represented England at every age grade up to under-21. He qualifies to play for Scotland, however, through his Glasgwegian father Paul and made his Scotland A debut in 2010.

He was called up to Scotland’s full squad for the first two games of the 2012 RBS Six Nations and later made his debut on the national team’s summer tour of the South Seas. That cameo lasted just 100 seconds as Scotland defeated Fiji but he made another appearance against Samoa on the same tour.

Ryder added: “Staying in Glasgow and playing with the Warriors is the best place for me to develop as a player as well as pushing for more international honours.”