Harley to depart Glasgow Warriors at end of season

Harley to depart Glasgow Warriors at end of season

Glasgow Warriors’ record-appearance holder Rob Harley, who has pulled on the club’s colours on 260 occasions to date, will depart Scotstoun at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.

Having spent his entire professional career in Glasgow, Harley now looks forward to securing his next challenge at a new club for season 2022/23.

Since making his debut against Leinster in September 2010, the forward, who is as comfortable playing on the flanks as he is at lock, has started an impressive 221 times and notched 11 tries for Glasgow.

Digging further into the numbers the return on his hard-work ethic is evident, having represented Scotland on 23 occasions; being the only Glasgow Warrior to make more than 50 appearances in the Heineken Champions Cup to date; and from the collection of club awards he has won during his time at Scotstoun.

The West of Scotland product was integral to the club’s inaugural title success in 2015, scoring an unforgettable try in the 31-13 victory over Munster in the Guinness PRO12 Final win at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.


“A huge chunk of my life has been with Glasgow Warriors, and it’s been an amazing experience,” Harley told glasgowwarriors.org following the announcement.

“There are so many memories: winning the title was hugely special, but it’s hard to pick just one having played with so many great teams.

“If anything, I’ll miss coming in and training with the guys and working really hard. I’ve enjoyed what we do here and playing for Glasgow.

“I look back to when I started and when I was in the academy and the crowds and expectations weren’t that high. Now, though, with the facility at Scotstoun we have noisy crowds each week and an energy behind us every time we play. That’s built an ability and confidence in the squad and an ethos that we’re setting out to win the league and win tournaments.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Scotstoun one day as a fan, and standing with the fans who have been so good with me over the years, cheering the team on from the stands.

“For now, though, I’m looking forward to finishing my Glasgow career on a high, but also excited about the next step of my playing journey and experiencing something different, wherever that may be.”


With Friday’s match being the last home game in Glasgow’s bill of fixtures in the regular season, the outing against Zebre Parma will be one of the last opportunities for the Warrior Nation to bid farewell to this club stalwart.

Managing Director Al Kellock said: “Rob is a player that epitomises Glasgow Warriors.

“On and off the field he lives our values and is a model example of the culture we seek to uphold at Scotstoun. Having been with us since 2010, he has also played a pivotal role in shaping that culture and defining what it means to be a Warrior.

“A fan favourite, there is no doubt Rob will be missed by players, coaches, staff, and supporters when he leaves at the end of the season and in the coming weeks and months, we will celebrate the special achievements he has had at Glasgow Warriors.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson added: “Rob Harley is an outstanding professional whose service to this club is second to none.

“Earning 260 caps for Glasgow Warriors is something no other player has done and is a monumental achievement, and it is especially important that we take time to celebrate Rob’s career and achievements this week and over the rest of the season.”

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