'I'll miss coming in': Record caps holder Rob Harley exits Glasgow

Record appearance holder Rob Harley aims to end his Glasgow career on a high after it was announced that he will depart Scotstoun at the end of this season. The 31-year-old forward has represented the Warriors on 260 occasions since joining as a teenager in 2010 but it was confirmed on Tuesday that he will be moving on to a new club next term.

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

“I’ll miss coming in and training with the guys and working really hard. I have 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 has built an ability and confidence in the squad and an ethos that we are 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.”

Harley, who has won 23 Scotland caps, will get one of his last opportunities to play in front of the Scotstoun crowd when Glasgow host Zebre on Friday. Glasgow head coach Danny Wilson said: “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. It is especially important that we take time to celebrate Rob’s career and achievements this week and over the rest of the season.”