McBeth moves from Lions to boost Glasgow squad and fulfil dream

GLASGOW have strengthened their squad by signing loosehead prop Nathan McBeth – a move which the former Scotland Under-20 international has called “a dream come true”.

The Warriors have had their problems in the position in recent months because of injury, and had to sign Cardiff Blues prop Brad Thyer on a short-term loan as cover. But now when the URC resumes following a month’s break for the Autumn Nations Series McBeth will compete with Jamie Bhatti and Oli Kebble for the No.1 jersey.

Now 23, McBeth played for South Africa’s Under-20s in the summer of 2018, several months after turning out for Scotland’s age-group side in the Under-20s Six Nations Championship. He has joined Glasgow from their URC rivals the Lions, for whom he played in their 56-14 defeat by the British & Irish Lions this summer.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to join the Warriors,” he said. “It will be an honour to represent them for the next few years. I can’t wait to meet the team and start to train with them. It’s a dream come true for me. Glasgow has always stood out for me because of the exciting brand of rugby that they play and I’m very excited to become a part of that.”

McBeth’s move is testament to his ambition of adding full Scotland honours to his Under20s caps, although his first step will have to be to win a regular place in the Warriors’ matchday squad, as both Bhatti and Kebble are experienced internationals. He could be helped, however, by national coach Gregor Townsend’s decision to regard Kebble as someone who can play on either side of the front row.

Warriors head coach Danny Wilson was pleased to have completed the signing.

“Nathan is a player we’ve had our eye on for some time,” he said. “He’s a physical ballcarrier and a young man who is willing to learn and improve his own game. To be able to add a young, Scottish-qualified prop of his calibre is a real boost and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”