Giant Glasgow lock Lewis Bean off to France - reports

Reports from France suggest that Glasgow Warriors lock, Lewis Bean, will be joining Montauban for the upcoming season. The 31-year-old has been an important member of the Warriors’ squad for the past three seasons, playing a key role in their recent run of good form.

Bean initially joined Glasgow on loan from Northampton in 2020, before making his move permanent at the start of the 2021/2022 season. He has since enjoyed a lot of game time and has been a reliable presence in the Warriors’ pack.

Montauban, who currently sit towards the bottom of the Pro D2 table, are said to be keen on bolstering their squad for next season. Bean is among a number of planned arrivals, should they manage to maintain their place in the second tier of French rugby.

Despite the tough season for Montauban, the club is eager to build a strong squad for next year’s campaign. Bean’s experience and size make him an attractive proposition for the French club, who are looking to add depth to their pack. Standing 6’8 and weighing in at 129kg, there aren’t many URC second rows that can match him for sheer physical presence.

If the move goes ahead, Bean will join the list of Scottish players plying their trade outside of Scotland. With a number of high-profile departures from the Scottish game in recent years, it’s perhaps unsurprising that players are looking further afield for new opportunities.

The Yorkshireman agreed to make the switch to Glasgow Warriors from Northampton Saints back in 2021. In addition to Northampton, the former soldier has also represented both Worcester Warriors and Moseley. The man from Beverly is a Corporal in Second Battalion Rifles, serving on two tours of Afghanistan in both Helmand Province and Kabul. He was selected for the 100th anniversary Babcock Trophy match between the Army and the Navy at Twickenham in 2017, as well as representing the service’s age-grade outfits.

For now, however, Bean’s focus will remain on helping Glasgow continue their recent good league form.