Richie Gray last night set his sights on bringing silverware to Glasgow Warriors after agreeing to re-join the club where he began his professional career over a decade ago.

While his younger sibling Jonny will be departing Scotstoun for Exeter at the end of the season, 30-year-old Richie will sign a two-year deal in the summer and return to his home city.

The giant 6ft 10in lock started at the Warriors back in 2009 before moving to Sale and then French club Castres. For the last couple of years, former British & Irish Lion Gray has been plying his trade with Toulouse and helped them win the Top 14 title last season. 

The chance to come full circle and return to his roots was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Gray said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Glasgow. It’s great to be bringing my family back home, and also to come back to the club where it all began for me. 

“To come back and play at Scotstoun in front of my family, friends and the Warrior Nation was a huge factor in my decision. The club’s had so much success in recent years in getting to the knockout stages of the Guinness PRO14 and Heineken Champions Cup and I want to come back and be a part of that.”

“My focus until the end of the season is fully on Toulouse – I want to try and add a couple more titles to this club’s trophy cabinet. I’ve learnt a lot and gained a lot of experience, and been part of a successful side over the last couple of years.

“I want to bring that experience back to Glasgow and win titles with the Warriors.”

Gray is the first signing by new Warriors coach Danny Wilson, who will take over from Dave Rennie in the summer.