Scotland trio to leave Glasgow as Mark Bennett agrees Edinburgh switch
Glasgow have announced that Scotland internationalists Mark Bennett, Josh Strauss and Gordon Reid will depart at the end of the season.
Glasgow have announced that Scotland internationalists Mark Bennett, Josh Strauss and Gordon Reid will depart at the end of the season.
Centre Bennett - nominated for World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year award following the 2015 World Cup - is to join Edinburgh after Scotstoun chiefs clinched the signing of Dark Blues team-mate Huw Jones ahead of next season.
The Olympic rugby sevens silver medallist has joined the Myreside on a three-year deal.
Prop Reid and back-rower Strauss - who has been linked with moves to England and France - are also moving on when their deals expire in the summer.
The trio are the latest to be told they are not required by incoming head coach Dave Rennie as prepares to take over next term. Italy flanker Simone Favaro has already been informed he will not be given a fresh contract.
Bennett has enjoyed two spells with Warriors, separated by a short stint with French Top 14 outfit Clermont Auvergne.
In total, the Irvine-born 24-year-old made 64 appearances for the Guinness PRO12 side since making his debut back in 2011, scoring 20 tries.
The arrival of Jones from South African side the Stormers, however, meant his first-team opportunities would likely be limited next season.
Now he has decided to make the switch to the other end of the M8 and Bennett said: "A key factor in my decision was that there's a young squad at Edinburgh, who are going in the right direction and I can feel like I can add to that.
"At 24 I think I could be one of the older boys in the Edinburgh backline, which would be a new experience for me, but one that I'm looking forward to next season."
Acting Edinburgh head coach Duncan Hodge added: "Mark is a phenomenal player, who has accomplished a lot both at club and international level at the age of just 24, and his experience will be a welcome addition to our backline."
Number eight Strauss joined Glasgow in September 2012 from South African Super Rugby side the Lions.
The 30-year-old has made 104 appearances for the club and has also won 10 caps for Scotland since qualifying on residency grounds.
Reid joined the club on a full-time basis ahead of the 2011/12 season, after representing Ayr in the BT Premiership. The 29-year-old has racked up 109 appearances for the club.
Outgoing Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend - who will be reunited with all three when he takes over as Scotland boss - said: "Although there is a lot of rugby still to be played this season, I'd like to acknowledge and thank Gordy, Josh and Mark's invaluable contributions since they joined the club.
"We look forward to them ending their time at the Warriors with the same commitment and skill they have shown already this season and wish them well in the next stages of their careers."