It’s no stretch to say this is BIGGEST Glasgow signing ever
Warriors catch 6ft 10in Shark with JP
GLASGOW WARRIORS have made their biggest ever signing with the recruitment of giant second row JP Du Preez from Sale Sharks.
The 6ft 10ins South African might not have the same on-field reputation as some of the club’s previous marquee signings but he will become the Scotstoun outfit’s tallest-ever player when he moves north next summer.
The 27-year-old became Super Rugby’s tallest-ever player when he made his debut for the Lions back in 2015, and then the English Premiership’s third tallest after signing for the Sharks in November 2020.
He is still a few inches short of Richard Metcalfe, the Scotland second row of the early 2000s, who is believed to be the tallest professional rugby player of all time at 7ft.
Du Preez said: “Glasgow play a style of rugby that I like to play, running rugby with a hard and physical edge.
“I like to think I’ll complement their style of play and I believe I bring strong lineout presence and a physicality in both attack and defence.
“I’ve played against Warriors in the past and they’re a very tough side to face, especially in Glasgow in front of their home fans. I can’t wait to be a part of the team.”
It is not clear at the moment who Du
Preez will be competing against for a place in the Warriors’ second-row next season.
Scott Cummings signed a new multi-year contract last December, so he should still be in the mix while, Richie Gray, Rob Harley, Kiran McDonald and Hamish Bain are all on contracts which run out at the end of this season, and there is no word yet on whether any of those deals will be extended.
Teenage Academy prospects Alex Samuel and Max Williamson have been identified as players with big futures but are yet to play a competitive match for the club.
Warriors head coach Danny Wilson said: “We’ve been impressed with JP’s recent performances for Sale Sharks.
“At 6ft 10ins, and 122kg, he’s the type of physical player we wanted to add to our squad.
“He brings a wealth of experience having played in the PRO14, Premiership and Super Rugby, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club next season.”