George Horne has predicted that Glasgow can go on to be contenders at the highest level of the game after agreeing a two-year extension to his contract.
The 27-year-old has been one of the key members of the Warriors squad this season as they have progressed to a guaranteed URC play-off place as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, in which they will face the Lions at Scotstoun on Saturday.
Speaking on the team’s website, the scrum-half said that the work ethic instilled by head coach Franco Smith, who only took over last summer, was a major factor behind the squad’s improvement.
“I’m really happy to re-sign,” Horne said. “We’ve got such a great group of boys, the coaching team is getting the best out of everyone, and there’s just a really good feeling around the club right now.
“I’ve been loving my rugby this year. A lot of what you see on the pitch just comes from hard work, really – Franco’s got us working hard, the boys are buying into it and he’s giving us the freedom to express ourselves and play.
“We’ve progressed so much this season, even from the start of the season up until now. We just want to get better and better every week, and if we do that then there’s no reason we can’t go on and challenge right at the very top.”
Smith added: “We’re very pleased to be able to secure George as a Glasgow Warrior for the next couple of seasons. His rugby intelligence is clear for all to see and he is a highly competitive athlete on the pitch.
“He is someone for whom representing this club means a great deal and we know that he will give everything for the jersey. We look forward to continuing to work with him as this squad continues on its journey together.”
Lions flanker Emmanuel Tshituka will miss Saturday’s match after being given a three-week suspension.
Tshituka was sent off in the South Africans’ last-16 win over Racing 92 last week for foul play after leading with his forearm on French full-back Louis Dupichot. The three-week ban will be cut to two if the forward completes a World Rugby “coaching intervention”.
Meanwhile, Dragons prop Aki Seiuli – a former Warrior – faces a hearing today after being sent off in last Saturday’s match at Scotstoun for a dangerous tackle on Horne.
