Euan Murray's return to Glasgow Warriors could prove to be a boost for the national side as they conclude their trips to both parts of the American continent and head for South Africa.

Murray, the Scotland tighthead, had made himself unavailable for the tour as he sorted out "personal issues", with the hunt for a club topping that list. His contract at Worcester Warriors - the club he joined last season from Newcastle Falcons - had not been renewed and he would have been clubless had Glasgow not stepped in to bring him back to the place where he started his career.

When he put his signature on the one-year contract to play with Glasgow, though, he cleared the decks and, though the desperate need next week is for back-rows rather than front-rows, it would be strange if Vern Cotter and the rest of the coaching panel did not want him to link up with the rest of the squad, both because they need his power against the Springboks and because the earlier he can learn Cotter's systems, the better.

Murray was clearly delighted to have resolved his playing future. "I'm grateful to Glasgow for the opportunity to continue my career with a club that has always meant a lot to me," he said. "I am passionate about playing again for Glasgow though you only need to look at some of the talent that is at the club to understand that a lot of hard work will be necessary to take the field at Scotstoun."

Equally, Gregor Townsend, the Glasgow head coach, was just as pleased to have added to the already considerable front row resources with Murray coming in to plug a gap left when Ed Kalman retired and Moray Low moved to Exeter. "It's great to welcome Euan back," he said. "He has played at the highest level of the game."