DUNCAN Weir, who made his 100th appearance for Glasgow in Saturday night’s 22-5 win over Racing 92, is to move to Edinburgh Rugby in the summer. The 24-year-old, who has signed a two-year contract, has become the second choice to Finn Russell at the Warriors, and his move east should see him start more games.
Vern Cotter, the Scotland coach, has listed Russell and Weir as his only fly-halves in his squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship, although former Glasgow player Ruaridh Jackson, listed as a full-back, can also play at No 10. Provided Weir’s move works out well, Cotter will be happier seeing both him and Russell start most weekends.
“It was a very difficult decision to leave Glasgow Warriors, a club I’ve supported since I was a teenager,” Weir said. “It’ll be a new challenge for me at BT Murrayfield after six years at the Warriors and when the time comes I’ll move on with a number of good memories from my time in Glasgow. “The highlight has obviously been winning the PRO12 last season, but there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season and my aim is to end my time at Scotstoun on a high.”
First capped against France four years ago, Weir has made 21 Test appearances so far, the most memorable probably being his last-minute drop goal which gave Scotland victory in Rome two years ago. He played in two games at the World Cup - in the win against the United States, when he came off the bench and scored a try, and in the defeat by South Africa.
“Duncan has been outstanding for us over the last few years,” Warriors coach Gregor Townsend said. “He’s had to go through some tough times with injuries, but he always brings enthusiasm to training and he’s playing some really good rugby.
It’ll be tough for us to go up against him next season, but he wants to fight for the stand-off position at Edinburgh and we wish him all the best when he leaves.”
Edinburgh’s current stand-offs are New Zealander Phil Burleigh, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and Greig Tonks, who can also play at full-back or centre.
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