Bernie moves on

February 10, 2011

Bernie moves on

Posted by Editor on February 10, 2011 10:45 AM | 5 comments | Print | E-mail author

Bernie Stortoni will leave the Warriors at the end of the season

Glasgow Warriors have announced that 34-year-old Argentine fullback Bernardo Stortoni will leave the club at the end of the season.

Bernie joined the Warriors in 2007 initially on a one-year-deal, but has gone onto become a pillar of the team both on and off the field during his four-year Glasgow career.

Bernie, who quickly became a Firhill favourite with his reliability under the high ball and his socks transfixed with his ankles, has featured in 65 out of a possible 74 matches so far for Glasgow (ten more league matches remain this season) and has only come off the bench once. He has started every Heineken Cup match during his time at the Warriors and scored ten tries in both European and domestic competition.

Joining the Warriors also resurrected Bernie’s international aspirations as he went onto win seven caps for Argentina during his time in Glasgow. His last international appearance was as a substitute against Ireland at Croke Park in November 2008.

Speaking of when he first discovered the fullback, Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen said: “I can remember when I first saw Bernie playing for Bristol in 2007 with the long hair and socks around the ankles, but when I got him up and had a chat with him, I thought ‘what an inspirational character’ and that’s proven to be correct.

“He’s been outstanding for Glasgow and will continue to be for the rest of this season. He has been one of the main reasons we’ve done so well over the last few years. He’s been a rock at the back and he’s been a rock for Glasgow.”

Posted by Tom on February 10, 2011 11:13 AM | Reply to this comment

Sad to read Bernie is moving on. He has been an inspiration in his time at Firhill. His forte was under the high ball, but that was just a small part of his game. Is he moving to another club or giving up the game? If it is the latter I would like to express my good wishes to him and thank him for some enjoyable games at Firhill and elsewhere

Posted by mediumsizedal on February 10, 2011 12:00 PM | Reply to this comment

Yes ......... sorry to see him go. Never gave less than his all & his attitude & commitment were a great role model for any youngsters. Good luck to him in whatever he decides to do. Any chance of bringing Cuthbert north??

Posted by JP on February 10, 2011 07:33 PM | Reply to this comment

One of Glasgows best ever servants. Hopefully he can stay on in a coaching capacity? He's settled in glasgow. Would be a fantastic coach i think.

I've heard Jim Thomson may be moving to us.. As he's frustrated about a lack of gametime at Edinburgh which is hampering his international aspirations.

Posted by Coruisk on February 12, 2011 10:55 AM | Reply to this comment

Bernie Stortoni deserves all the plaudits coming his way - he has been a great signing. His departure is all the more disappointing as he obviously didn't expect to be going halfway through the two-year contract he signed last year. He was interviewed on Radio Scotland last night and it was fairly clear that he expected to be here next season. Disappointing way to end his time with Glasgow.

Posted by Phil on February 12, 2011 11:41 PM | Reply to this comment

Bernie has been a fantastic player for Glasgow. Always 100 % fully committed. Brilliant under the high ball and a strong tackler. Ball in hand nearly always made good yardage. Looks like the budgetary constraints means preference must be given to developing young Scottish talent. Thank you Bernie for your time at Glasgow. What ever you choose to do next you will be successful with an attitude like that!