Richie Gray to join Pieter-Steph du Toit & Beauden Barrett in Japan

Scotland lock Richie Gray will join star-studded Toyota Verblitz in Japan when he leaves Glasgow Warriors at the end of November.

The 35-year-old’s new team-mates will include South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, New Zealand superstar Beauden Barrett and former All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith as well as high-profile rugby league convert Joseph Manu.

Gray, capped 79 times by Scotland, will work under World Cup-winning director of rugby Steve Hansen when the new season of Japan Rugby League One begins in December.

“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,” said Gray.

Warriors announced at the beginning of October that Gray was to end his second stint at Scotstoun but his next club was not named.

He did not feature in the 33-3 home win over Zebre last Friday but could play on Glasgow’s mini tour of South Africa over the next two rounds of the United Rugby Championship.

Verblitz begin their new league season against Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay on 22 December.

The former Sale, Castres and Toulouse forward returned to Glasgow in 2020 and has made more than 100 appearances for his hometown club.

When his Warriors exit was announced, the 2013 British and Irish Lions Test forward said: “This move is a fantastic opportunity for me and a really exciting move for my family. I’m really looking forward to the challenge that awaits me.”