Warriors keep hold of Barclay

John Barclay has thrown his weight behind Glasgow Warriors by signing a contract extension that will keep the Scotland openside flank with the Scotstoun side for at least one more season.

Barclay joined the Warriors as an apprentice in the summer of 2004 and the dangerous loose forward has signed a one-year extension with an option for a further year.

This season the 25-year-old has been able to demonstrate positional versatility, switching to both blindside flank and No.8 when required and managing to bring to bear his usual mix of composure, good hands and mastery of the breakdown.

Barclay, who has amassed some 126 Glasgow appearances and 12 tries, told said: “I’m delighted to be re-signing for the Warriors at a time when the club is really going places. I’ve been part of Glasgow for eight years now, and the atmosphere and ambition around the club is the best I’ve ever experienced.

“It’s always a big call to decide where your future lies, particularly when you’ve been with one club for a significant period. I’ve taken some time to think through the decision, and I’m convinced that it’s the right one. Glasgow Warriors are going places and I want to contribute to that process.

Warriors coach Sean Lineen commented: “It’s been great to see John develop from an 18-year-old with all the right raw materials into a proper Warrior who, on his day, is right up there with the best in the business.

“At 25, he should be just starting to come into his prime, and I’m very pleased he’s decided that Glasgow is the best place to continue his development and achieve what he wants to in the game.”