Smith: Downsizing product of success

FRANCO SMITH admits he’ll need to run with a smaller Glasgow squad next season ~ because he can't afford to keep all of his in-demand stars.

- Graeme Macpherson

Warriors, who take on Munster at home tonight, announced this week that defence coach Pete Murchie and back-rower Henco Venter will leave in the summer.

Joining them at the exit door will be Scotland squad members Tom Jordan and Jack Mann - with a number of other first-team regulars also running down their contracts.

And head coach Smith revealed his players’ stock has risen so high since winning the URC that it’s impossible to keep them all at Scotstoun.

He said: “It’s sad to lose people but it’s also a huge compliment to everyone who's worked hard to give other people an opportunity.

“Due to the budget size our squad is going to be smaller next year.

“It’s not about finding the right people to replace the ones who are leaving - it's whether we can afford them. That's the biggest problem.