Second-rower Leone Nakarawa to depart Glasgow for France

Glasgow have announced that their Fijian international second-row Leone Nakarawa will leave the club in the summer for as yet unannounced club in France's Top 14 league.

Warriors confirmed the 28-year-old would be released from his contract a year early following an offer from an unnamed club in France, rumoured to be Racing Metro.

The forward has scored four tries in 66 appearances for Glasgow and was an integral component in last season's Guinness Pro12 title-winning side.

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "Leone has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs due to the form he's been in over the last year.

"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.

"Right from when there was interest in him I've been fully involved with Scottish Rugby in the discussions with Leone and his agent, and the deal which was subsequently agreed has allowed 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."

Nakarawa added: "These types of opportunities only come around once and I couldn't turn it down.

"I'll miss all of the players, but I'll still keep in touch with them as I get on with them all so well.

"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."

Meanwhile, Warriors have announced another nine players will also leave the club in the summer.

Prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa, backrower Tyrone Holmes and hooker Kevin Bryce are the biggest names amongst the departures, with backrowers Will Bordill and Jason Hill, hookers Shalva Mamukashvili and Fergus Scott, stand-off Gregor Hunter and prop Javan Sebastian also moving on.

Bryce has moved quickly to sort his future, though, after agreeing a two-year contract at Edinburgh.

Townsend added: "We'd like to thank all those who are leaving us at the end of the season for the contributions they've made to the club.

"They have all worked hard to improve the club and we wish them well in the next stage of their careers.

"Our supporters will get the chance to acknowledge these players' efforts as Warriors at our final regular season home match against Zebre on Friday night."