'Strong role model' - Glasgow Warriors secure British & Irish Lion on contract until 2028

Rory Sutherland has revealed it was an "easy decision" to commit his future to Glasgow Warriors after signing a new contract.

The 31-year-old loosehead, who joined Glasgow from French side Oyonnax ahead of the 2024/25 season, has established himself as an integral part of Franco Smith’s squad over the past 18 months.

Capped 46 times by Scotland to date, Sutherland started the victories over USA and Tonga in the recent Autumn Nations series and came off the bench in the defeat to New Zealand.

The prop was also a late call-up to this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, coming off the bench against the First Nations & Pasifika XV, having also been part of the Lions squad that toured South Africa four years ago.

Renowned as a powerful scrummager and dynamic ball-carrier, the extended deal now ties Sutherland to the Scotstoun club until the summer of 2028.

Rory Sutherland has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors until the summer of 2028. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group

“I’ve really enjoyed the season and a half I’ve had here so far,” Sutherland said. “The boys and the coaches have made me feel really welcome, and I’m enjoying my rugby, so it was an easy decision to re-sign.

“The move to Glasgow has been great for my family, too. It’s given us a sense of stability, and it’s been so good to have them coming to games regularly. There’s a great family feel to the club.

“The quality we have in this group is so impressive. I knew a lot of the guys from Scotland camp prior to arriving in Glasgow, but the senior academy lads have also really stood up and impressed for the club. There’s an exciting future in store, for sure."

After playing his part in the impressive 26-21 weekend win at Sale that got Glasgow off to a flying start in the Champions Cup, Sutherland is now looking forward to welcoming French giants Toulouse to Scotstoun on Saturday before heading into the 1872 Cup double-header against his former club Edinburgh.

“Toulouse are an extremely good team,” he said. “Europe's most successful team and that's for a reason. They're dangerous everywhere around the park. I think for us this week, especially up front of the forwards, they bring a huge threat there. I think after going down to Scarlet and having a poor day at the scrum and maul, I think we turned the corner there at the weekend against Sale.

“We made good strides there and in the scrum as well. I think we righted the wrongs from the week before. I think we need to carry that on into this weekend. Like I say, it'll be a huge challenge but one we're looking forward to.”

Head coach Franco Smith hailed the leadership qualities and overall influence of Sutherland, branding him a "strong role model" for the club's younger players.

“We’re pleased to be able to secure Rory’s services for the foreseeable future, as we continue to build strength in depth across every position," Smith said.

“He has fully bought into what we are building here ever since arriving at Scotstoun, bringing good energy and commitment to the jersey. He is also a strong role model for our young talents to learn from as they continue their own development, is a well-liked member of our squad, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.”