Euan Murray’s passion for Glasgow return

Euan Murray: Passionate. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 33-year-old British and Irish Lion has signed a one-year deal after being released by the English club. Murray, who has also played for Northampton, Newcastle and French side Agen since leaving Glasgow in 2007, said: “I’m grateful to Glasgow for the opportunity to continue my career with a club that has always meant a lot to me.

“I am passionate about playing again for Glasgow, though you only need to look at some of the talent that is at the club to understand that a lot of hard work will be necessary to take the field at Scotstoun.”

Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s great to welcome Euan back to Glasgow. He has played at the highest level of the game over the past decade and brings with him considerable experience from his time in England and France.

“He is a proven scrummager at Test level and finished the season in great form. His tackling ability is also something that we are keen to see in a Warriors jersey. Euan has always been very proud of his Glasgow roots and I look forward to the contribution he can make to our pack and the positive influence he can have on our younger players.”

Murray won the most recent of his 59 caps in this year’s RBS Six Nations defeat by Wales, after missing the early part of the tournament having cut his hand while chopping wood during a Worcester club barbecue. He has not featured in Scotland’s four-match summer tour because of family reasons.

Meanwhile, Italy will play Scotland in Turin in August 2015 as part of their preparations for the World Cup. The precise date has not yet been set for the friendly international, but on Thursday the Italian rugby federation said Turin’s Stadio Olimpico will be the venue. The Olimpico, which is home to Serie A side Torino, has already hosted international rugby, when Italy played Australia last November.