Ryan Wilson will leave Glasgow Warriors at the end of this season, bringing to an end his 13-year uninterrupted association with the club.

It is not clear at this point whether he plans to hang up his boots or seek playing opportunities elsewhere.

The 33-year-old back-rower has played 220 games for Warriors to date since his first hit-out against Leinster back in 2010, with only Rob Harley – who made his debut on the same day – ahead of him in the all-time appearance list.

“I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to represent this club,” said Wilson, who picked up his 50th and last to date cap for Scotland as a late call-up for the dramatic 2021 victory over France in Paris.

“We’ve been so lucky to have some unbelievable players come through, but some even better men,” he continued.

“I’ve been through some very low lows and some exceptional highs, and I’m incredibly thankful to have had Bex and the kids with me through them all.

“Winning the PRO12 title is definitely right up there with the greatest memories in my time here. It had been such a massive journey to get to that point – make the semis but lose, then make the semis and win, then the final in Dublin that we lost, then finally the semi-final win over Ulster and that final victory over Munster in 2015.  Everything clicked that day. I’ll never forget it.

“If people look back and realise how much I’ve poured into the jersey every time, then I’ll be a happy man.”

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Wilson’s career has not been all positive and an unsavoury incident after a Halloween night out in 2013 left a lasting stain on his reputation. He was fined £750 by Glasgow Sherriff Court and suspended without pay for three months by Scottish Rugby after punching two men – including Ally McLay, the captain of Glasgow Hawks at the time – in a takeaway shop whilst dressed as Batman.

Wilson did seem to take on board the lessons from that episode and, whilst remaining a combative figure on the pitch, he has since become a respected leader within the Warriors squad. He was either captain or co-captain of the team for five years between 2017 and 2022.

“From day one, Ryan made me feel welcome as part of the Glasgow Warriors family,” said Franco Smith, who became head coach at Scotstoun ahead of this season. “His professional and playing approach is of such high quality, and his influence on the playing group has been clear this season.

“He’s a fantastic person to have within this club environment and his pride at representing Glasgow Warriors is clear for all to see. We wish him all the very best for whatever comes next.”
Warriors managing director Al Kellock – who is a former team-mate of Wilson’s – added:

“Ryan was a pleasure to play alongside from his first step into the professional environment in 2010, and he’s been a fantastic man to work with over the last couple of seasons since I took this role.

“The legacy he leaves behind is one that places his team and his team-mates first.

“He will go out of his way to make sure his teammates are well looked after, and he has always given everything every time he has pulled on the jersey.
“I cannot thank him enough for what he’s done for this club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Wilson missed the start of this season because he was best man at a wedding in New York, but spoke in early October about his determination to remain a key member of the squad.

“I’m not ready to step back yet,” he said. “I always joke about it that I’ll go for another four years, easy. There are four years in this old body yet. So, I’ll be pushing and trying to be in the team as much as possible this season. And when I get my opportunity, hopefully I take it.”

However, he suffered a knee injury against Bath in early December and did not feature again until the end of March

He is fighting for game-time in a highly competitive position with Scotland stars Jack Demspey, Matt Fagerson, and Rory Darge all at the peak of their powers, while Tongan Sione Vailanu has been a revelation in the back-row this season.

Tom Gordon is also an option, youngsters Gregor Brown and Euan Ferrie are exciting prospects for the future, while Scott Cumming and Sintu Manjezi can be effective in both the back-row and the second-row.