The Scotsman
Tue 29 Mar 2005

Glasgow prepare for Bulloch's departure

DAVID KELSO

THE signing of Fergus Thomson from Glasgow Hawks and the renewal of the contract of fellow hooker Scott Lawson suggest that Glasgow are getting ready for the departure of Gordon Bulloch this summer.

Bulloch, the Scotland captain, has been non-commital on his future and has been considering his options, with a move to England or France a strong possibility.

Although Bulloch has yet to clarify his plans for next season, Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell has moved to turn Thomson’s contract from part-time apprentice to full-time.

Lawson kept Bulloch out of the starting line-up in the weekend Celtic League triumph over Cardiff, indicating Campbell’s intention to plan for next season without Bulloch.

But, as Glasgow look set to lose one Scotland internationalist, another is staying where he is. Scotland winger Rory Lamont, who won his first cap against Wales in the Six Nations Championship earlier this month, is remaining at Hughenden. Lamont’s older brother, Sean, is leaving for Northampton next season.

Glasgow officials revealed that a total of 11 players have signed fresh or renewed contracts, confirming the arrival of Newcastle lock Craig Hamilton. Originally from Stranraer, the former Wigtownshire player came through the Glasgow age-grade system, and went to Newcastle University. He joined Newcastle Falcons and played for Scotland in the 2000 SANZAR Under-21 tournament in New Zealand.

Capped by Scotland after coming on as a substitute in the second Test against Australia last year, Hamilton hopes a move to Glasgow will put him back in the international frame. He will join Glasgow in June for the start of preparations for next season.

Two other Hawks men, utility back Colin Shaw and flanker Steve Swindall, have also agreed terms, along with Aberdeen GSFP prop Ben Prescott, who had been on the verge of joining Rotherham.

Among the front-liners who have opted to stay at Glasgow are Test trio Graeme Morrison, Graeme Beveridge and Andy Henderson. Scott Lawson and Calvin Howarth, who reached the 400-point landmark in Glasgow’s victory against Cardiff on Friday, have also signed new deals.

Campbell declared: "We are delighted to have held on to so many experienced players together with some young Scots who have been coming through the system."

Thomson first played for Glasgow more than two years ago, after he appeared as a 19-year-old replacement in the Heineken Cup match against Sale. At that time he was hooking for Bulloch’s former club, West of Scotland.

Meanwhile, former Scotland flanker Cameron Mather has been forced to call a halt to his professional career with Glasgow earlier than planned.

Mather will undergo shoulder surgery and won’t be back in action before the end of the season, when his contract expires.

"It is a huge disappointment," said Mather. "Glasgow have some massive matches coming up and I really wanted to be involved." Mather is exploring the possibility of re-joining Watsonians as player-coach next season, but his prospects will hinge on the Myreside men avoiding relegation from the top flight of the Premiership.

Glasgow hope to announce more contract news later this week.

This article was posted on 29-Mar-2005, 07:19 by Hugh Barrow.