Renewed interest for Glasgow Warriors lock Gray

Jonny Gray could be following teammate Finn Russell out the door after reports of ‘concrete interest’ from English Championship side Bristol.

There are reports that Bristol have made a substantial offer for the 23-year-old lock whose contract with Glasgow runs out at the end of this season.

The news will be a worry to head coach Dave Rennie who will be without the services of Russell next season after it was revealed on Sunday that he had received an offer from another club and would not be renewing his contract. Unconfirmed reports suggest the fly-half will be joining Racing 92.

It is believed that as things stand it is a 50-50 decision whether Gray will stay or leave but confirmation of a decision is expected before Christmas.

Gray made his Warriors debut in December 2012, earning himself 77 appearances for the club and helping them to the Pro12 title for the first time in 2015. He has also won 37 Scotland caps since making his first Test appearance in 2013.

If the move goes ahead it will be a continuing trend for Pat Lam coached Bristol who were relegated from the Premiership last season and who have since set about bolstering their squad with big-name players. A few of those they have signed are former Leinster out-half Ian Madigan, former All Blacks Steven Luatua and Charles Piatau, who will join the team from Ulster next season.