Richie Vernon signs new Glasgow Warriors deal

Scotland centre Richie Vernon has signed a one-year contract extension that keeps him at Glasgow Warriors until May 2017.

Scotland international Richie Vernon has signed for Glasgow. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Vernon returned to Scotstoun for a second time from Sale Sharks in the summer of 2013 as a back-row forward before converting to centre. Last year he became the first Scot to feature in World Cups as a forward and a back and the first for over 100 years to be capped both in and behind the scrum.

The Dundee-born 28-year-old has 24 caps for Scotland and started in last year’s historic Guinness Pro12 final win over Munster in Belfast but is currently out injured with a shoulder injury.

Vernon said: “Glasgow Warriors is a great club, which I really enjoy being a part of.

“We’ve had a bit of success and we’re a team moving in the right direction and trying to get better, so it’ll be great to be a part of that for another year.

“When I arrived for my first spell we had a group of guys who wanted to get better and now that is mirrored throughout the club and we’ve all got the same mindset to improve and make Glasgow Warriors one of the best clubs in Europe.

“It’s been a frustrating season for me with injury, but now my shoulder is feeling better I’ll be happy to get back and progress next season.

“One of my goals is to get back involved in the Scotland set-up and I believe I have the best chance of doing that at Glasgow.

“Over the last few years we’ve had a consistently high number of players playing international rugby, so I think playing in a Glasgow team which is doing well gives you a great opportunity to play your best rugby and to put your name forward for Scotland squads.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added: “We’re delighted Richie has signed with us for another 12 months and also that he’s nearing a return to full fitness.

“He played a lot of games for us on our way to winning the Guinness Pro12 last season and we’re looking forward to him being available to play again and competing for a place in the team.

“Richie worked really hard during his move to centre and he thoroughly deserved his place at the Rugby World Cup with Scotland.

“He is an influential and highly respected player within our squad and it’s great that he is going to continue his career at Scotstoun.”