Gregor Townsend has backed Tom Jordan to go from strength to strength after the new Scotland recruit agreed to join Bristol next season.
The New Zealand-born 26-year-old has made an impressive appearance on the international stage this month after becoming eligible following a five-year residency in Scotland with Ayrshire Bulls and current club Glasgow Warriors.
This week it emerged that versatile defender Jordan – a stand-off who has played at fullback in his first two Test appearances against Fiji and South Africa – will sign for the English Premier League next summer, although the deal has yet to be officially completed . confirmed by both clubs.
“I knew about it last week,” Scotland head coach Townsend said of Jordan’s impending transfer. ‘I know he had to make a big decision last week and he obviously thought about it a lot and then informed Glasgow.
“But he managed to put aside that decision, which must have been very difficult for him, and put in a very good performance (against South Africa).”
Townsend acknowledged Jordan’s departure will be a blow for Glasgow, especially after the player played a key role in United’s Rugby Championship title win under head coach Franco Smith.
Tom Jordan was handed the number 15 jersey against world champions South Africa last Sunday
However, he believes it reflects well on Scotland that several of their players, including recently appointed captain Sione Tuipulotu, have attracted interest from elsewhere.
“Yes, it is positive that players are getting offers from other clubs,” he said.
‘It’s not so much positive when players leave, but two weeks ago it was announced that Sione would stay in Glasgow, so that was an important signing for Glasgow.
“I know Glasgow will be disappointed to lose someone of Tom’s quality and versatility, but we have players who play outside Scotland and are performing well for us at national level. I’m sure Tom will continue to grow next year wherever he plays.
‘I’m sure he will continue to push himself in our camp in the coming period. But also when he is back in Glasgow to continue to improve.’
Jordan made his international debut from the bench in the win against Fiji to kick off Scotland’s Autumn Test campaign.
He then put in an excellent performance against the world champions Springboks, despite playing out of position as a wing-back.
Discussions had taken place between Glasgow and the player over his future, but Bristol Bears have now made their choice for the player, whose contract with Scotstoun expires in the summer.
Gregor Townsend is impressed with the versatile New Zealand-born 26-year-old
Jordan has excelled for Glasgow Warriors but has agreed to move to Bristol next season
The Auckland-born player’s form for Ayrshire Bulls earned him a contract with the Warriors in 2021, but his stock has risen to such an extent that he is now challenging some of Townsend’s most established attacking players for a place in the national team.
Jordan is the only player who started last Sunday’s 32-15 defeat by South Africa at Murrayfield and retained his place for Saturday’s match against Portugal at the same venue.
Harry Paterson, who was due to start at fullback this weekend, was injured during training on Wednesday.
Glasgow Warriors lock Alex Samuel and Edinburgh back-rower Ben Muncaster will both make their Test debuts, while Glasgow center Stafford McDowall will pilot the side, assisted by vice-captains Luke Crosbie and George Horne.
Other notable players include Sale wing Arron Reed and league leaders Paddy Harrison and Will Hurd, who are all set to win their third caps, while Northampton center Rory Hutchinson makes his first appearance since the 2022 summer tour of Argentina.