Leaving Sale: Richie Vernon

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Glasgow Warriors have announced that Scotland international forward Richie Vernon will rejoin them next season, leaving English side Sale.

The talented 25-year-old has signed a three-year-deal with the PRO12 outfit, after spending the last two seasons playing Aviva Premiership rugby. The deal will mean he'll be at Scotstoun Stadium until at least May 2016, subject to a medical.

The versatile Vernon, renowned for his pace and counter-attacking skills, has racked up 20 caps for Scotland, represented Scotland 7s and played 44 times for Sale, scoring 50 points for Sale. He had been part of the Warriors set-up between 2007 and 2011 before making the move south.

"Richie is a great signing for the club and has a game that will fit very well with the style of rugby we're developing here at the Warriors. He has the ability to play in all three back-row positions and is highly motivated to become a better player," said Glasgow Warriors head coach, Gregor Townsend.

"He will provide another option amongst some very talented back-row players, each of whom know they have to keep working hard to earn their place in the side.

"He has a lot of international experience and has played at a high standard over the last couple of years in the Premiership, so we're very pleased he will be joining up with us in the summer."

Vernon was born in Dundee and previously played for the Borders before making 48 appearances in his first stint with the Warriors.

"I am very excited about rejoining Glasgow Warriors and working with Gregor Townsend and the coaching team at Scotstoun," said the number eight.

"I have learnt a lot from my time at Sale over the last couple of seasons but this is an excellent opportunity for me to return home and play my rugby in Scotland.

"Of course it helps that I know a lot of the guys in the squad already, but I've been watching their progress this season and it's a very exciting time to be getting involved with the club."