The Glasgow Warriors’s brilliant Fijian second row Leone Nakarawa is one of ten players who will leave Scotstoun at the end of the season as Gregor Townsend begins a shuffle of his squad.
The persistent rumours that Nakarawa was set to leave with a year still remaining on his contract were confirmed by the club, although they did not reveal his specific destination other than he will be moving to the French Top 14.
It’s understood that the cash-rich Paris club Racing 92, who the Warriors played in the European Rugby Champions Cup pool stages this year, have bought out the contract of the Fijian international and compensated Glasgow as part of the deal.
The Fijian will be joined at the exit door by hooker Kevin Bryce, who is joining brother Glenn in moving along the M8 to Edinburgh and switching to tight head, back rower Tyrone Holmes, prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa and six other fringe players.
Nakarawa, who played 66 times for Glasgow having joined them for his first professional contract three seasons ago, said: “These types of opportunities only come around once and I couldn’t turn it down.
“This is a new challenge which I’m looking forward to, but that is next season and my focus just now is trying to retain the Guinness PRO12 trophy and end my time at the club on a high.
“Glasgow Warriors have helped me a lot with the coaches and backroom staff improving my game and making me stronger. I’d also like to thank the Glasgow supporters for making me feel so welcome.”
Head coach Townsend said that Nakarawa performances for Glasgow, especially his man of the match display in last year’s PRO12 final and those for Fiji in the World Cup, had created huge interest.
“During the Rugby World Cup a lot of clubs were interested in signing him and although we were looking to retain him, we have now agreed to let Leone leave a year early,” said the head coach.
“The deal which was subsequently agreed will allow us to strengthen our squad for next season.
“Leone has been a fantastic player for the club and has been a pleasure to coach. He has worked hard and developed into one of the best second-rows in the world during the past three years.
“He has worked very hard to improve and has shown on numerous occasions how much he cares for his teammates and this club.”
Bryce, who has been out with a shoulder injury for much of this season, has opted to switch positions as he moves to Edinburgh after winning two Scotland caps at hooker, the last against the USA in the Rugby World Cup.
The 27-year-old joins younger brother Glenn and Duncan Weir making the trip east this summer.
Fijian international Yanuyanutawa made 46 appearances with the club and South African-born Holmes 34.
Also being allowed to leave are back rowers Will Bordill and Jason Hill, hookers Shalva Mamukashvili and Fergus Scott, stand-off Gregor Hunter and prop Javan Sebastian.
