Russell to leave Glasgow at the end of the season

Performances for Ayr in the BT Premiership earned him a place in the Glasgow Warriors squad where he was a member of the 2015 Guinness PRO12 title-winning squad scoring a try in the final.

He has since cemented his place in the Scotland squad and was called up to the British & Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand earlier this year.

Glasgow Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: “Our club has an excellent track record of retaining our key players in recent years. However, in this instance Finn has decided to move on and accept a lucrative opportunity at another club.

“We respect his decision and when the time comes we will thank him for his contribution to the club. It has been great watching him develop and grow wearing a Glasgow Warriors shirt.

“We know he will be fully focused on trying to bring another trophy to Glasgow Warriors this season.”

Finn Russell said: “I’ve really enjoyed my five years at Glasgow Warriors.

“I would like to thank every player, coach and member of the backroom staff for making it so special.

“During my time at the club I’ve really developed as a player and I’ve been called up to the Scotland and British & Irish Lions squads.

“I’ve shared so many fantastic moments with people who are now friends for life and to do it in front of the amazing Glasgow Warriors supporters at Scotstoun has been a dream come true.

“I’ve always wanted to experience as much as I can during what is a short rugby career. It was obviously a difficult decision to leave Glasgow, but I have the opportunity to take myself out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture and type of rugby.

“However, I am fully focussed on Glasgow Warriors and will do everything I can to make my final season at Scotstoun a successful one."