The second-row forward, in his second tenure with Glasgow, was part of the team who won the United Rugby Championship last season and is one of the game’s foremost lineout operators.
The Scotsman is aware that Gray, 35, will likely play his final games for Glasgow during their mini-tour of South Africa, which begins in late October, when they take on the Sharks and Stormers. Gray will pursue his club career in Japan. Given that the Japanese season falls during the Six Nations, a move to Japan is probably going to restrict Gray’s international career, but the timing of the move might allow him to play for Scotland.
Gray has enjoyed a fruitful second stint at his hometown club which he rejoined in 2020 after time in England and France with Sale Sharks, Castres and Toulouse. The pinnacle came at Loftus Versfeld in June when he helped the Warriors defeat the Bulls in the URC final in the latter’s home town.
It meant the 79-times capped lock added a URC triumph to the Top 14 winner’s medal he won with Toulouse in 2019. He leaves Scotstoun with the blessing of the club who are expected to be compensated for losing a player who is contracted until the end of this season.
His departure leaves Scott Cummings as the club’s most experienced second row but there is also a clutch of promising locks who made the breakthrough last season, with Max Williamson, Alex Samuel and Euan Ferrie all making a favourable impression. Behind them, Jare Oguntibeju is emerging as a promising talent. Gray, in fact, has played a big part in their development, working with them in training, particularly in lineout work.
Franco Smith, the Glasgow head coach, paid tribute to Gray, saying: “Richie has been a fantastic servant to this club, both on and off the field. When I first came in, he very quickly adapted to the intensity of our training sessions, as well as also adapting elements of his game. I vividly remember my second match in charge, against Cardiff at Scotstoun – he was outstanding that day. We won 15 of our 16 lineouts and he was immense across the field, always putting his hand up for more responsibility.
