Glasgow star Nakarawa to depart for France

9:15 AM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Glasgow Warriors have suffered a huge blow ahead of next season with their Fijian second-row Leone Nakarawa leaving the club to take up an offer in France.

Nakarawa, one of the stars of last year's Rugby World Cup, has established himself as a key player for Glasgow having made 66 appearances for the Warriors and scored four tries.

He played a prominent role in their charge to the Guinness PRO12 title last season and will leave the Warriors a year before the end of his contract.

"Leone has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs due to the form he's been in over the last year," Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend said. "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."

Townsend added: "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 three 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 are looking forward to Leone delivering similar performances as we enter a very exciting run of games at the end of this season."

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Glasgow star Nakarawa to depart for France