Glasgow pair Wilson and Eddie extend Warriors stay

Ryan Wilson celebrates after Glasgow's victory over Ulster. Picture: SNS

Wilson has penned a two-year extension, while Eddie has signed a new 12-month agreement.

The news will come as a welcome boost to head coach Gregor Townsend ahead of Saturday’s 1872 Cup second leg against Edinburgh.

Townsend has already secured fellow back-row men Rob Harley and Tyrone Holmes on fresh deals, and said: “Getting Ryan and James signed up adds further depth to the competitive group challenging for places in our back row next season.

“Ryan has improved every year since he’s been at the club and is one of the most skilful back-row players in the game.

“He’s very quick and has really good offload skills. He’s put a lot of effort into improving physically and he tackles low and gets up and competes for the ball, which is what we like to see in our players.

“James is very popular within the squad and he’s had an excellent season so far. He works very hard to improve himself and has made a big impact in a number of games this season.

“We always look to re-sign players we believe can drive us on to become a better side and Ryan and James will have big roles to play in our future.”

Born in Aldershot and a former pupil of Lord Wandsworth College (Hampshire) and Frensham Heights School (Surrey), 24-year-old Wilson qualifies through his maternal grandfather, who is from Motherwell. He joined Glasgow in 2010 from Moseley and has gone on to make 78 appearances for the club.

He represented Scotland at Under-19, Under-20 and Scotland A level – last year captaining the first Scottish side at that level to beat their English counterparts in England – before making his Test debut against Wales at Murrayfield as a second-half replacement last year.

He was handed his first start against South Africa during Scotland’s tour there last summer and now has nine caps after featuring in all five Six Nations matches this year. He has also played for Wasps A and London Scottish.

Wilson said: “Playing for the Warriors has given me the opportunity to go on and play for Scotland and I’m really enjoying my rugby just now.

“There is a great atmosphere around the club and there is huge strength in depth within the squad.

“It was an easy decision for me to stay in Glasgow and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years.”

Eddie played for Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians before joining Glasgow as an apprentice in the summer of 2004. He has made 104 appearances for the club after making his debut in a famous 26-20 win over Munster in Ireland in February 2006.

He has represented Scotland at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level and has also featured for Scotland A and Scotland 7s.

He said: “Glasgow is my hometown club and I’m really happy to be staying. I love being part of the club and I’m very excited about the direction it’s heading in.”