In the last few days the news has broken of the imminent departure of 2 big players from Glasgow Warriors. Glasgow Warriors centurion James Eddie has announced he has retired from rugby with immediate effect and Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa will be released from his Glasgow Warriors contract at the end of the season to move to a club in France.

James Eddie retires:

Eddie, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, played his last game for the Warriors in the win over Leinster last month.

He is going to join his family-run Fish and Seafood Merchants, W.A.A. Eddie Ltd.

The 30-year-old backrower is the longest-serving player at Scotstoun and has made 126 appearances for the club over the last 10 years.

He has represented Scotland at Under 18, Under 19 and Under 20 level and has also featured for Scotland A and Scotland 7s. He was part of the Scotland 7s team, which competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Eddie will present the match ball ahead of the Warriors final regular season home match against Zebre at a sold-out Scotstoun on Friday night.

James Eddie said: “It was a tough decision to make as rugby has been such a major part of my life, but following my recent injury I felt it was the right time to hang up the boots and move on to the next chapter.

“Some of the memories I have out on the pitch are unbelievable. It was very special winning the Guinness PRO12 last season, as well as beating Toulouse over in France in 2009 and making my 100th appearance for the club against Toulon.

“You almost can’t compare the club now, to what it was like 10 years ago. It’s amazing to see how much the club has grown and how the supporters have really got behind the team.

“The fanbase is massive now, you see the crowds getting bigger and bigger and it’s fantastic that we’re now selling out games at Scotstoun when we used to get 1 500 at Firhill.

“The Glasgow Warriors supporters have always had my back, they’ve been amazing and I want to thank them for all the support they’ve given me.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “James has been a great role model for what the Warriors are all about – working hard every day to improve himself and also doing all he can to get the best out of his teammates.

“He has also been a great ambassador for the club and is rightly held in high regard from our supporters.

“James has shown resilience in the face of a number of setbacks due to injury and improved year-on-year in his time as a Warrior.

“Reaching 100 caps was a proud day for James and his family against Toulon 2 seasons ago.

“He’s shown his adaptability in recent seasons, filling in at times in the second-row as well as impressing at 7s rugby, playing in the Commonwealth Games and captaining the club to a Melrose 7s victory.

“We will miss his positive influence around the group and he is someone who will be remembered fondly by everyone at the club.”

Leone Nakarawa off to France at end of season:

Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa will be released from his Glasgow Warriors contract at the end of the season to move to a club in France.

To date the 28-year-old has played 66 times for the Warriors and has scored 4 tries.

Details of Leone’s new club will be announced by them in due course.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “Leone has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs due to the form he’s been in over the last year.

“During the Rugby World Cup a lot of clubs were interested in signing him and although we were looking to retain him, we have now agreed to let Leone leave a year early.

“Right from when there was interest in him I’ve been fully involved with Scottish Rugby in the discussions with Leone and his agent, and the deal which was subsequently agreed has allowed us to strengthen our squad for next season.

“Leone has been a fantastic player for the club and has been a pleasure to coach. He has worked hard and developed into one of the best second-rows in the world during the past 3 years. “He has worked very hard to improve and has shown on numerous occasions how much he cares for his teammates and this club.

“We will rightly remember his outstanding game in last year’s Guinness PRO12 Final, but his performance this season at home to Leinster was equally as impressive. Following an injury to Peter Murchie, Leone became our captain in the 2nd half and really stepped up for his teammates, making smart decisions and putting his body on the line in defence.

“We are looking forward to Leone delivering similar performances as we enter a very exciting run of games at the end of this season.”

Leone Nakarawa said: “These types of opportunities only come around once and I couldn’t turn it down.

“I’ll miss all of the players, but I’ll still keep in touch with them as I get on with them all so well.

“This is a new challenge which I’m looking forward to, but that is next season and my focus just now is trying to retain the Guinness PRO12 trophy and end my time at the club on a high.

“Glasgow Warriors have helped me a lot with the coaches and backroom staff improving my game and making me stronger.

“I’d also like to thank the Glasgow supporters for making me feel so welcome.”

Leone Nakarawa magic:

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