Glasgow Warriors and Scotland flanker Chris Fusaro has announced that he will be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the 2020/21 season, as the openside calls time on a career that saw him take his place amongst the pantheon of club legends.
With 183 outings in a Glasgow jersey to his name, only Rob Harley and Ryan Wilson can lay claim to having made more appearances for the club than Fusaro, the trio having often caused havoc together for opponents from the back-row.
Never was a backwards step taken ?
Congratulations on a brilliant career, Chris.#OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior pic.twitter.com/rYApvR08xA
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) May 19, 2024
The 31-year-old first turned out for the Warriors in February 2010, starting at openside against Cardiff Blues at Firhill.
A tenacious presence in the number seven shirt, Fusaro quickly gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s premier breakdown specialists, his turn of pace also making him an invaluable presence in open play for the Warriors.
His standout campaign in 2011/12 saw him do the double at the club’s end-of-season Awards Dinner, claiming both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season prizes.
Fusaro was at the heart of the club’s ascension to one of Celtic rugby’s powerhouses, culminating in coming off the bench in the 31-13 victory over Munster in May 2015 that secured a first-ever Guinness PRO12 title.
The flanker would join the list of Glasgow Warriors Centurions later that year, making his 100th appearance for the club in a win over Benetton in November 2015.
His professionalism and dedication to his own standards have routinely been praised by team-mates and coaches alike, with Fusaro receiving the Glasgow Warriors Coaches’ Award at the 2018 Awards Dinner in recognition of his efforts on and off the field.
The former Howe of Fife man also represented his country with distinction, making his Scotland debut against England in February 2014 and going on to win four caps in the famous dark blue jersey.
In addition, his turn of pace and game intelligence saw him included in the Scotland 7s setup for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, joining friend and team-mate Pete Horne in the travelling squad.
Fusaro made four appearances this season, starting the opening match of the 2020/21 campaign away to Connacht.
