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Glasgow confirm five other players to exit along with Ryan Wilson
By Liam Heagney
Challenge Cup finalists Glasgow have confirmed that six players will leave the club after the final next week – the already announced Ryan Wilson and five others, including midfielder Sam Johnson. It was last month when back-rower Wilson signalled that he was exiting the Scotstoun club, and the full list of leavers has now been revealed four days after their URC quarter-final defeat at the hands of Munster.
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A statement read: “Five players will be moving on from Glasgow Warriors at the end of the current campaign after the club confirmed its list of leavers for 2022/23. The group will join Ryan Wilson – whose departure after 13 years with the club was confirmed last month – in leaving at the end of the season.
“The five players departing the club are – Sam Johnson (Warrior #258): An ever-reliable presence in the midfield, Scotland centre Johnson will be moving on after eight years at Scotstoun, departing as a Glasgow centurion after 104 appearances to date for the club.
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“Comfortable at either inside or outside centre, the 29-year-old was jointly voted as players’ player of the season after an outstanding 2017/18 campaign and was a key performer in Glasgow’s run to the 2019 Guinness PRO14 final. A solid presence in both attack and defence, Johnson has crossed for 10 tries in his Glasgow career so far, including a memorable score in victory away to Leinster in 2019.
“Lewis Bean (Warrior #317): Second-rower Bean moves on at the end of his second stint with Glasgow, having originally joined the club on loan during the 2020/21 season. Since making his debut in November 2020, the former army corporal has become a firm favourite with both teammates and supporters both on and off the pitch.
"I thought this will be my last season…"
– Gregor Townsend reveals his emotions after sealing a contract extension with Scotland. #RWC2023 https://t.co/S9aRb8pASt
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 9, 2023
“A first try for the club in an 1872 Cup clash with Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield is one of four registered by the Yorkshireman in his 39 appearances to date, his most recent outing coming off the bench against Munster last weekend.
“Cole Forbes (Warrior #323): Having initially joined the club on a trial basis, winger Forbes departs following two years at the club, having scored 11 tries in 38 appearances since his debut in February 2021.
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“The former New Zealand U20 international made an immediate impression in his first outing against Edinburgh, scoring a try and earning player of the match honours in a 2021 Rainbow Cup win at Scotstoun. Forbes has also played a key role in the club’s memorable 2022/23 campaign, with spectacular scores at home to Cardiff and away to Munster each featuring on the try of the season shortlist.
“Simon Berghan (Warrior #330): Scotland prop Berghan leaves the club after two seasons at Scotstoun, having made his debut in the opening match of the 2021/22 campaign away to Ulster. The tighthead has gone on to make a further 31 appearances, providing a solid platform at the set-piece for Franco Smith’s squad. He also featured in the Scotland squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, featuring in the round one win over England at Twickenham.
“Cameron Neild (Warrior #348): Openside flanker Neild immediately impressed upon joining Glasgow, turning in a defensive shift including 29 tackles to help his new club to victory over Bath at The Rec in December 2022.
“The Manchester-born back-rower joined the club in November, making the switch north after Worcester Warriors entered administration. Neild has made five appearances for the club to date, most recently coming off the bench in January’s victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade.”
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Glashow head coach Franco Smith said: “Thank you to Ryan, Sam, Lewis, Cole, Simon and Cameron for their contributions to the club this season. I’m grateful for their hard work and wish them all the very best in their new challenges. After a season like this it is difficult to say goodbye to players that bought in and contributed the way they did.
“They have all played a valuable part in helping us to reach the league quarter-finals and will keep doing so as we continue preparations for our first-ever European final. I sincerely thank these players for their commitment to the Glasgow team and the club’s values.”
