The Pen strikes again
Canada prop Djustice Sears-Duru will remain with Glasgow next season following on from the short-term deal that brought him to Scotstoun in March. The 22-year-old loose-head has signed a one-year deal although he is yet to play a competitive game for Warriors.
Townsend has also snapped up a replacement to continue the tradition of Fiji Weegies with the news that Fiji scrum-half Nemia Kenatale has agreed a one-year contract to join Glasgow Warriors from Romanian club Steaua Bucuresti. The move is subject to the 30-year-old, who has 37 caps, receiving a visa and passing a medical.
Warriors backrower Adam Ashe has undergone surgery on a foot injury sustained in the PRO12 Play-Off against Connacht and is aiming to return at the beginning of next season.
All three players should then be around to see Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium get a major upgrade to the pitch that has struggled to cope with the demands of high level rugby and Scottish winters.
Councillors on Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee will meet this week to approve the investment works, which will see a synthetic playing surface installed, improve athletics and rugby training facilities, create a new events throws area and improve the existing outdoor running track.
Edinburgh Rugby sign Aussie speedster
23-year-old Australian-born winger Alex Northam has signed for Edinburgh from French club La Rochelle, where he has been on loan in recent months from Sydney outfit North Harbour Rays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqhaEqOtihM
Maitland moves on
Scotland winger and sometime fullback Sean Maitland has signed for Saracens, in a move that will hopefully suit him better than his troubled year at London Irish did. Gaining a sympathetic understanding with Sarries centre Duncan Taylor would do his Scotland chances no harm, but he’s joining a club that can already pick the likes of Alex Goode, USA fullback Chris Wyles, Chris Ashton and Marcelo Bosch in the back three. Fellow exile Blair Cowan is rumoured to be a target for Bath where he might end up packing down beside Dave Denton.
Castres player Richie Gray won’t be travelling with the Scotland tour to Japan as he may be required for Castres Top 14 playoff against Montpellier on Sunday 12th June. However, with only two other locks on tour in the shape of brother Jonny and Tim Swinson, the SRU are adamant that Gray will fly out to join the tour immediately after that – regardless of the result. With a move to Toulouse next season perhaps lessening club loyalties, if Castres do get through, someone’s patience will be tested that’s for sure…
Also out in the wider world it was announced that RBS are to end their sponsorship of the Six Nations following next year’s tournament.
UPDATE: Scotstoun news 09/06/2016:
Scotstoun Stadium is set for a major upgrade this summer after Glasgow City Council approved plans that will see a synthetic playing surface installed and improvements to the existing athletics facilities.
The works will ensure that the stadium retains its position as a centre of excellence for rugby and athletics, while at the same time continuing to meet the needs of the wider sporting community.
The project will be funded by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Rugby/Glasgow Warriors andsportscotland and, subject to contracts being finalised, work will commence later this month with completion expected ahead of the 2016/17 rugby season.