GLASGOW WARRIORS MAY have lost their opening two games of the RaboDirect Pro12 but they have given their fans reason to hope.
The Scottish side have signed South African flanker Josh Strauss on a three-year deal and will add him to their playing staff later this month, once his international duties are complete.
The 25-year-old captained The Lions for two seasons of Super Rugby competition and last season led his club side, the Golden Lions, to Currie Cup success.
He will link up with the squad in two weeks’ time and join up with other foreign players such as DTH van der Merwe, Taylor Paris (both Canada), and Troy Nathan (New Zealand).
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The Warriors squad also boasts homegrown talents such as Rory Lamont, John Barclay and Ruairidh Jackson.
The beard is gone but the quality remains
Strauss, who has been capped 30 times by the Springboks, gained notoriety last season for sporting a beard that rivalled that of Sebastian Chabal for sheer bulk and mountain musk.
He claimed that he was growing it out until his girlfriend arrived to live with him in Cape Town.
Helpful teammates forcibly shaved off the milk-drainer for Strauss but it remains to be seen if he will grow a new one to keep him warm once the Scottish winter kicks in.
He told the Glasgow Warriors website that he is eager to hit the ground running with his new club. He said:
I’ve had a number of really positive conversations with [head coach] Gregor Townsend, where he’s explained how ambitious the club are to move forward on and off the field.
“There are a lot of top players in the squad, especially in the back row, and I know I will have to fight hard to prove my worth and earn selection.
“I’m massively looking forward to arriving in Glasgow, seeing the facilities at Scotstoun Stadium for myself, and playing my part in helping the club achieve a successful season.”
Warriors entertain Connacht at their new home, Scotstoun, on Friday.
Glasgow Warriors make Pro 12 title statement after Springbok Josh Strauss signs up
GLASGOW WARRIORS MAY have lost their opening two games of the RaboDirect Pro12 but they have given their fans reason to hope.
The Scottish side have signed South African flanker Josh Strauss on a three-year deal and will add him to their playing staff later this month, once his international duties are complete.
The 25-year-old captained The Lions for two seasons of Super Rugby competition and last season led his club side, the Golden Lions, to Currie Cup success.
He will link up with the squad in two weeks’ time and join up with other foreign players such as DTH van der Merwe, Taylor Paris (both Canada), and Troy Nathan (New Zealand).
The Warriors squad also boasts homegrown talents such as Rory Lamont, John Barclay and Ruairidh Jackson.
The beard is gone but the quality remains
Strauss, who has been capped 30 times by the Springboks, gained notoriety last season for sporting a beard that rivalled that of Sebastian Chabal for sheer bulk and mountain musk.
He claimed that he was growing it out until his girlfriend arrived to live with him in Cape Town.
YouTube credit: tcgw
Helpful teammates forcibly shaved off the milk-drainer for Strauss but it remains to be seen if he will grow a new one to keep him warm once the Scottish winter kicks in.
He told the Glasgow Warriors website that he is eager to hit the ground running with his new club. He said:
“There are a lot of top players in the squad, especially in the back row, and I know I will have to fight hard to prove my worth and earn selection.
“I’m massively looking forward to arriving in Glasgow, seeing the facilities at Scotstoun Stadium for myself, and playing my part in helping the club achieve a successful season.”
Warriors entertain Connacht at their new home, Scotstoun, on Friday.
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ambitions back row Beard Cape Town Captain Guinness PRO12 Connacht Currie Cup flanker Glasgow gregor townsend Hair Today... John Barclay josh strauss Lions Pro12 Rugby scotstoun South Africa Springbok statement warriors