Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock doesn’t fear for the future of Scottish rugby following Richie Gray’s decision to leave Scotland for the Aviva Premiership in the summer.

This week 22-year-old Gray announced his intention to join Sale Sharks at the end of the season, leading to fears many of Scotland’s leading lights would abandon the game north of the border.

Gray, who has represented Scotland at every youth level and has 16 full caps, denied the move was motivated by money and said that it was the lure of playing at the highest level that had persuaded him to leave Glasgow.

However ahead of Glasgow's Heineken Cup clash with Bath Kellock, who captained Scotland in this year’s Six Nations campaign, told STV he believes the game in Scotland is improving.

Asked whether Gray’s decision would set a precedent, he said: “I don’t think so. I think Richie was always going to get offers from all over Europe and he’s made his decision.

“I hope it’s a good decision for him but there are things happening in Scotland.

“The new Scottish Rugby Union chief executive (Mark Dodson) has come in and made exactly the right noises, the things the players want to hear.

“I believe that this time next year we will be a stronger team than we are just now.”