Kellock a Warrior for life
Alastair Kellock, the inspirational skipper of Glasgow Warriors, has signed a new contract with the club, which will see him through to the end of his professional playing career.
The 31-year-old former Scotland captain has become synonymous with the side since signing in 2006 and will continue to represent his hometown team until at least May 2015, with further options to keep playing or move into an ambassadorial role with Scottish Rugby and the Warriors at the end of that two-year period.
On the eve of battle with old rivals, Edinburgh, Kellock said: "It's a privilege to play for Glasgow Warriors and I'm honoured to be captain of this club.
"Over the next three or four years I have one goal and that's to help this club win silverware. There is a strong squad and work ethic here and I want to be at the forefront of the push for success.
"I’m still keen to develop as a player and learn from the coaches at Glasgow. I'm still working hard at my game, still trying to improve and I have more to give to the Warriors.
"We have been shaping up over the last two or three seasons to do something special for the game in Scotland and compete with the best teams in Europe.
“Winning a trophy against these sides is something I desperately want to happen for the game of rugby in Glasgow."
Once dubbed Mr Glasgow Warriors, his natural authority and leadership saw Kellock made captain almost immediately on his arrival with the team from Edinburgh in 2006.
He has now captained the side for each of the past seven seasons, becoming a Warriors centurion in the process with more than 100 league and cup appearances to his name.
He was picked to lead the nation in 2011 and spoke of fulfilling a boyhood dream by leading out Scotland at Murrayfield during that year's Six Nations. He was also picked as skipper for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He has, so far, accrued 47 caps for his country.
Glasgow Warriors head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: "Alastair embodies what the Warriors are all about and he will be one of the key drivers of our success in the years to come.
“Al is an outstanding leader and ambassador for the club, but it’s his on-field performances that have earned him the reward of this contract extension.
“He is one of the best line-out forwards in the game right now and has been a major part of our strong scrummaging displays this year.
“Like any player in our squad there are areas he needs to keep working on to improve but I’ve been impressed with his low tackling and ball-carrying this season. I’m delighted he has committed his future to the club.”
Kellock's first competition appearance in a Glasgow shirt was also his first as captain - against Newport Gwent Dragons at Hughenden on the Magners League's opening day. He has continued in charge ever since.
A former pupil of Bishopbriggs High School, Kellock played in 10 internationals while with rivals Edinburgh before moving back home to join the Warriors.
His club rugby was initially with Allan Glen's before he moved to Stirling County, from where he was awarded his professional contract with Edinburgh.
Among many community and charity commitments, Kellock now supports his club of origin by presiding as Director of Rugby at Allan Glen's and is a patron of Asthma UK educating young sufferers about how he has overcome the condition to reach the pinnacle of Scottish rugby.