Scotland lock stays with Warriors
Glasgow Warriors have been given a major lift ahead of this weekend’s European Cup clash away at Castres with news that Scotland lock Tom Ryder has signed a new deal, which keeps him at Scotstoun until at least May 2015.
The 27-year-old former Saracens lock initially joined the Warriors on loan in August 2010 but, having impressed during that short spell, returned north full-time in February 2011.
One of the most consistent performers in the engine room of the pack, he has since appeared for the Warriors more than 50 times and has appeared in all but one match this season for Gregor Townsend’s side. In season 2011/12, he was named in the Pro12 Dream Team.
Ryder said: “I’m delighted to have signed this contract extension and get to play my part in the buzz that’s happening around the Warriors.
“This is a tight knit group and one that is very focused on the goals of the club and the targets that have been set.
“There’s some stiff competition here to get in the squad, with Tim [Swinson] and captain Al Kellock, but that just drives us on to get better as players.
“For me that’s a big part of staying here, developing further as a player and helping the team succeed. This was an easy decision for me to make both professionally and personally.”
Ryder played for the Sarries 96 times in total and represented England at every age grade up to Under-21. He qualifies to play for Scotland, however, through his Glasgwegian father Paul and made his Scotland A debut in 2010.
He was called up to Scotland’s full squad for the first two games of the 2012 Six Nations but made his debut during the June tour of the South Seas. His debut lasted just 100 seconds as Scotland defeated Fiji, then he made his second Scotland appearance against Samoa on the same tour.
Ryder continued: “Staying in Glasgow and playing with the Warriors is the best place for me to develop as a player as well as pushing for more international honours.”
