Glasgow Warriors coach praises Jamie Ritchie as Perpignan manager has his say

Ritchie is expected to be announced as a new signing within the next few weeks, returning to Scotland after a year in France with Perpignan.

The acquisition of the former Scotland captain will be a significant coup for Glasgow who are losing a number of experienced international players in the summer.

Ritchie, 29, who spent a decade at Edinburgh before joining Perpignan, returned from injury last weekend as he bids to help the Catalan club retain their Top 14 status. He then looks set to link up with the Warriors.

‘A class player’

“Look, he's a class player,” said Smith, the Glasgow head coach. “The amount of Test matches he's played, he's led Scotland. I think he's somebody that specifically leads well with his ability and with his way of doing things. He's been a thorn in our side in a lot of the games we've played against Edinburgh. He's been excellent in some of the games he's played in the Six Nations. I think he's a good player.”

Asked about Ritchie coming to Glasgow, Smith would only say: “I read and heard that Perpignan is saying that he's not going to play for them next season. I saw that.”

While it has been a difficult season for Perpignan, who sit second bottom of the Top 14 and will almost certainly be involved in a relegation play-off with the runners-up of the second-tier Pro D2 on June 14, Ritchie has performed well and captained the club in several games. He was injured playing for Scotland in the win over England in the Six Nations but returned to action in last weekend’s home loss to La Rochelle.

Beating the drop

Laurent Labit, manager of Perpignan, is resigned to losing the flanker, who has won 74 caps for Scotland.

“Jamie is someone who gives a lot, who is grateful to the club, and there are times when personal and private life is more important than professional life,” Labit said, at a press conference on Thursday. “We already saw that this season with Max Hicks [who will leave Perpignan join Newcastle Red Bulls next season].

“It's part of life, it's part of the professional world today, we're not wondering if Perpignan will be weaker next season without these players, what interests us, for them as well as for us, is keeping USAP in the Top 14.”

Ritchie has played 14 matches for Perpignan, 13 of them as a starter, and has a year remaining on his contract.

“We are focused on the end of the season,” added Labit. “What interests us is June 14 and the crucial match. What happens after that is another matter.”