Scotland lock Richie Gray will join Toyota Verblitz in Japan following his departure from Glasgow Warriors at the end of November. The 35-year-old, capped 79 times for Scotland, will become part of a high-profile squad that includes South African flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett, former All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith, and rugby league convert Joseph Manu.
Gray will be playing under the leadership of World Cup-winning director of rugby Steve Hansen as Japan Rugby League One kicks off its new season in December. Commenting on his move, Gray expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m really looking forward to seeing you all and trying my best and working hard to be part of a successful environment and successful Verblitz team. Hope to see you soon.”
The veteran lock’s future club was confirmed after Glasgow Warriors announced earlier this month that he would be ending his second spell at Scotstoun. Although Gray did not feature in the team’s 33-3 home victory over Zebre last Friday, he is expected to be part of the squad during their upcoming United Rugby Championship tour in South Africa.
Gray has enjoyed a distinguished career, with stints at Sale Sharks, Castres, and Toulouse before returning to Glasgow in 2020, where he made over 100 appearances for his hometown club. Reflecting on his next chapter, the 2013 British and Irish Lions Test player described the move to Japan as a “fantastic opportunity” and an “exciting challenge” for both him and his family.
Toyota Verblitz will begin their new league campaign on 22 December, facing Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay.