Glasgow’s Scottish international hooker George Turner has signed a two-year contract extension with the Warriors as new head coach Danny Wilson seeks to cement his squad for the emergence from lockdown.
Scotland’s professional players from both Glasgow and Edinburgh have begun “voluntary” reconditioning programmes at BT Murrayfield – with weights in open-air gyms and the maximum nine-metre distancing between runners – as they begin a two-month trek towards the target date of a re-start derby match on August 22.
Turner, who has played for both clubs, signed his extension as far back as March before lockdown began but it’s hoped that this will be the start of a succession of announcements from Scotstoun for Warriors fans who have been vocally nervous about the lack of signing news from the club other than departures and retirements.
Turner has blossomed into an international class hooker with Glasgow, after his opportunities at Edinburgh were limited to only a handful of appearances until Richard Cockerill arrived at the capital club.
Cockerill gave the Edinburgh native some starts but he went on loan to Glasgow and when the chance came to permanently move along the M8 he grabbed it and has made 46 appearances for the Warriors, with an impressive try total of nine.
He’s gone on to win nine Scotland caps and has five tries for his country, including a hat-trick against Canada. He also scored against Russia during the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“I have been at the club for three years now and I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “I’m delighted to be extending my stay for another couple of years and I’m fortunate to be part of such a great club.
“The squad, the facilities, and coaches are great, and we play a really enjoyable brand of rugby where you can express yourself and try things. This is a great environment to be a part of and it has really helped my development.
“Over the next few years I am looking to push what I can do as far as possible. The last few years have been cut short for me, with various injuries and this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. I don’t think I have reached my best rugby yet and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch to show what I can do.”
Glasgow have re-signed scrum-half Ali Price, centres Nick Grigg and Pete Horne, winger Ratu Tagive, hooker Grant Stewart and back-row players Rob Harley and current co-captain Ryan Wilson since January, while at present only the return of lock Richie Gray from Toulouse and Puma prop Enrique Pieretto from Exeter Chiefs have been confirmed as new additions.
“Knowing George from my time with Scotland I’ve watched him progress to become an established international hooker,” said Danny Wilson.
“He is a really exciting and dynamic player with an attacking prowess. Equally, in defence he is extremely physical and provides plenty of big collisions.
“I’m thrilled George has committed his future to the club. I enjoyed working with him at Scotland and I look forward to, along with the other coaches, to bring the best out in him.”
