Ex-Howe of Fife flanker Jamie Ritchie says he can’t wait to get back on ball in his homeland now move to Glasgow Warriors confirmed
Former Howe of Fife flanker Jamie Ritchie says he can’t wait to get back on the ball in his homeland now his long-rumoured move from French Top 14 team Perpignan to Glasgow Warriors has been confirmed.
The Dundee-born 29-year-old had been playing in France since last summer after 11 years with Warriors’ United Rugby Championship rivals Edinburgh, but he’s now on his way back to the Scotland, though going west rather than returning to the capital.
Ritchie – capped 62 times for Scotland since 2018 but ruled out of selection for their three Nations Championship fixtures next month by injury – has agreed a deal of undisclosed duration to join head coach Franco Smith’s table-toppers and says he’s looking forward to playing in the championship again after 15 games in all competitions for the Occitan club.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Warriors,” Ritchie told his new club’s website.
“It’s a club for which I’ve always had a lot of respect, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Some of my best mates are there, so I’ve had a good idea of what the place is like for a while. They talk about how it pushes them to be better players but also how close they all are off the field. That means a lot to me. You want to be somewhere you feel part of something and Glasgow genuinely has that.
“Franco has done a brilliant job with the club. You only have to look at how competitive they’ve been over the last few years to see that, and I really enjoy the way they approach the game. It’s a style that suits me and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“I obviously know the Scotstoun crowd well enough from being on the other side of things – hopefully I’ll be getting a slightly warmer reception this time around.
“Ultimately, I just want to come in, work hard and play my best rugby for this club.
“I’m really looking forward to representing Glasgow and giving everything I’ve got.”
Smith, 53, added: “We are pleased to be able to add a player of Jamie’s calibre to our playing group ahead of next season as we look to build upon the foundations we have already created at Scotstoun.
“His ability to play across the back-row will be a real asset to our squad, as will the experience he brings following his time in France, in the URC and with Scotland.”