James Tavernier: Rangers captain to leave Scottish Premiership club at end of season after 11 years at Ibrox
The 34-year-old joined Rangers in 2015; he led the Ibrox side to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021; the defender has also won the Scottish Cup and League Cup with Rangers; he has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances
Wednesday 22 April 2026 12:23, UK
Rangers captain James Tavernier has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, after 11 years at Ibrox.
The 34-year-old joined the Ibrox side in 2015 and has led them for the last eight years, winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup.
He also captained Rangers to the Europa League final in 2022, which they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
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The right-back has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances for Rangers, making him Britain's highest-scoring defender.
In a social media post, Tavernier said he will "give everything I have until the very last day" as the team focus on "pushing for the league title".
"This hasn't been an easy decision," he said. "This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years. It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.
"To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words.
"This isn't the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title. I will continue to give absolutely everything as I always have until the very last day.
"While I feel the time is right for a new challenge, my focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together."
11 years, 10 managers, three major trophies
Tavernier was signed from Wigan by Mark Warburton in the summer of 2015, with Rangers in the Scottish Championship.
He helped the side win promotion to the Premiership in his first season, scoring 10 goals.
Warburton made way for Pedro Caixinha, with Tavernier deputising as captain before taking the armband full time when Steven Gerrard was appointed in 2018.
He was part of Gerrard's Premiership-winning team and then led them to the Europa League final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2022 before lifting the Scottish Cup the same season.
The former Newcastle player also won the League Cup under the club's next manager, Philippe Clement.
Tavernier was also captain during Graeme Murty, Michael Beale, Barry Ferguson and Russell Martin's brief spells in charge at Ibrox.
Current head coach Danny Röhl has often preferred Dujon Sterling at right-back with Tavernier starting 23 of Rangers' 33 Premiership games so far this season.
"To all the players I've shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds that we've built, the battles we've been through and the memories we've created are what make this game so special," Tavernier added in his Instagram statement.
"To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you've done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.
"And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you."
