Vernon returns to Glasgow

Scotland international Richie Vernon will rejoin the Glasgow Warriors next season after signing a three-year deal with the club.

The talented 25-year old spent the last two seasons playing Premiership rugby with Sale Sharks. The deal will mean he will be at Scotstoun Stadium until at least May 2016, subject to a medical.

The versatile Vernon, renowned for his pace and counter-attacking skills, has racked up 20 caps for Scotland, represented Scotland Sevens and played 44 times for Sale, scoring 50 points for the Manchester-based club. He had been part of the Warriors set-up between 2007 and 2011 before making the move south.

Glasgow Warriors head coach, Gregor Townsend said: "Richie is a great signing for the club and has a game that will fit very well with the style of rugby we're developing here at the Warriors. He has the ability to play in all three back-row positions and is highly motivated to become a better player.

"He will provide another option amongst some very talented back-row players, each of whom know they have to keep working hard to earn their place in the side.

"He has a lot of international experience and has played at a high standard over the last couple of years in the Premiership, so we're very pleased he will be joining up with us in the summer."

Vernon was born in Dundee and previously played for the Borders before making 48 appearances in his first stint with the Warriors.

He said: "I am very excited about rejoining Glasgow Warriors and working with Gregor Townsend and the coaching team at Scotstoun.

"I have learnt a lot from my time at Sale over the last couple of seasons but this is an excellent opportunity for me to return home and play my rugby in Scotland.

"Of course it helps that I know a lot of the guys in the squad already, but I've been watching their progress this season and it's a very exciting time to be getting involved with the club," added Vernon.