The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Warriors sign giant Samoan lock to bolster second row
New Zealand-born player joins from Waikato in a deal lasting until end of the season
Glasgow Warriors have plugged the gap caused by a series of second row injuries by signing the imposing Samoan Under-20 cap Brian Alainu’uese until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old New Zealand-born lock, who stands 6ft 8in and weighs more than 21 stone, joins from Waikato and has played for the Chiefs under Dave Rennie, who takes over as Warriors coach next summer.
Alainu’uese is a product of Wesley College in Auckland, the rugby nursery that spawned the great Jonah Lomu and Ulster’s Charles Piatau among many others.
But his chief worth to Glasgow comes as cover for long-term injuries to Scott Cumming, Greg Peterson and Tjiulee Uanivi and the likelihood that Jonny Gray and Tim Swinson will be needed for Scotland duty next month and in the spring.
Alainu’uese’s attraction to Gregor Townsend is not just his physical size but the fact he likes to play with ball in hand.
“Brian has a real physical presence and he will help our set-piece, but he has the ability to play an off-loading game as well,” said the coach.
“With three locks currently injured we’re delighted to secure the services of such a quality second row.”
Alainu’uese joined up with his new team-mates yesterday after arriving in Glasgow on Saturday.
He said: “I’m really excited about joining Glasgow.
“I’ve spoken to Dave Rennie about the move and he told me great things about the club and it made me want to join.
“Everyone in New Zealand knows that Glasgow Warriors is a great club and there are good people here.
“I watched Corey Flynn playing when I was growing up and Jarrod Firth spent some time at the Chiefs, so it’ll be good to get to know those boys, as well as the rest of the squad.
“From what I’ve seen Glasgow like to throw the ball around and play a fast game and that’s the way I like to play too.”