Chris Cusiter is convinced by SRU backing for Glasgow

THE Scottish Rugby Union’s fresh ambition for developing their professional teams lay behind Chris Cusiter’s decision to shun lucrative offers to return to France and pledge his future to Glasgow Warriors.

Fears that Richie Gray’s departure from the Scottish game might be part of a flow of top-class players out of the city have abated with the Scotland scrum-half putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal with the Warriors.

And the scrum-half made it clear that the change of thinking from Murrayfield in recent months was a key factor in his decision.

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Cusiter initially left Scotland for Perpignan in 2007 when the Border Reivers pro side was shut down. The Aberdonian told The Scotsman in the summer that he returned to Scottish rugby in 2009, joining Glasgow, largely to be nearer his father and inspiration, Stan, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and died last year. It is known that, as a result of his popularity in his two years in the south of France, where he helped Perpignan to the Top 14 title, a number of leading French clubs were keen to lure Cusiter back across the Channel when his contract expired in 2012.

Along with Gray, Cusiter, John Barclay and Johnnie Beattie were internationalists at Glasgow understood to have had major financial offers to leave Scotland.

Gray opted to join Sale Sharks and it was believed that the others might also be tempted as they looked to secure their futures or to sample rugby outside their native land.

Barclay and Beattie have still to decide on their futures, but Cusiter has provided a significant boost in the wake of Gray’s decision by signing a deal that will take him almost to his 33rd birthday. That could mean he will see out his professional career in his home country.

He explained: “Having played in France there was a possibility of going back, because I speak French and it would be easier going this time but, through the discussions I’ve had with Sean [Lineen, Glasgow coach] and last week with Graham Lowe [SRU director of performance rugby] and Mark Dodson [SRU chief executive] I believe that I can achieve what I want to in my career staying at Glasgow.

“I have fully enjoyed being back at the club since the World Cup and being part of a winning team. For me there is unfinished business both at club and international level.

“The World Cup was a frustrating time for the team but also individually as I struggled to get back in and, after missing a lot of games the year before, I want to get back into the Scotland team and help the team win more regularly.

“I was involved with Glasgow when we got to the Magners League play-offs, and I know we can achieve that and better again. But, while I consider myself an ambitious person and I know the players and coaches at Glasgow are as well, I needed to know that the SRU had the same ambition.

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“I would not have stayed had I not believed that Glasgow would be given the chance to be as successful as I think we can. But it was spelled out to me that the move to Scotstoun, the signing of David Lemi, who is a quality international player, and the desire to keep our best players here is just the start of what the SRU want for us.

“The fact they wanted to keep me on a three-year deal was also a big commitment from them and, after a year out injured, it showed faith in me. That means a lot, too. And I love Glasgow, the city, the people, the supporters we have, so that was the easy bit.”

Cusiter follows Ruaridh Jackson, Duncan Weir, Chris Fusaro, Ryan Grant, Rob Harley, and Ryan Wilson in re-signing, with Gray the only player out of contract next season so far to have opted to leave.

Naturally, Lineen and Dodson were both delighted with Cusiter’s decision. The Glasgow coach said: “Chris is an absolute joy to work with.

“He’s a fantastic talent who knows the value of continuous hard work, and he’s a positive and influential figure in our dressing room.

“He had his fair share of frustrations at the Rugby World Cup, but I knew he’d come back and react in the way he has.

“His form in a Glasgow jersey over the last month has been tremendous, and I’m looking forward to seeing much more of the same in the next three years.

“Keeping Chris here says to the world at large that we’re serious about taking Glasgow Warriors forward.

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“I’d like to thank everyone at the club and at Scottish Rugby [SRU] who played their part in making this happen.”

Dodson added: “We’ve made it very clear that we see the growth of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby as crucial to the overall development of the game in Scotland going forward.

“Retaining players like Chris is a significant part of that process. We’re thrilled he’s signed an extension with the Warriors and has bought into the ambitious plans that are being put in place for the club.”