The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
New Glasgow head coach beefs up squad with two more new signings.
GLASGOW: New head coach Rennie continues to add to squad for new season
Glasgow Warriors have added another lock in Kiran McDonald and retained Ratu Tagive for a second season as the new squad for incoming coach Dave Rennie continues to take shape.
The 6 foot 8 inch McDonald has trained with Glasgow and played in a pre-season match for them last year after spending time at Glasgow Hawks.
He spent a year playing for Hull RUFC in England’s third tier but is returning to his home city to rejoin the Warriors.
McDonald fills out a choice of second rows for Rennie and new forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys led by skipper Jonny Gray, Scotland international Tim Swinson, Brian Alainu’uese, Scott Cumming and USA international Greg Peterson.
“It’s an honour to come back here. I’ve never stopped following Glasgow – it’s my home, and I’ve never stopped pushing to try and get back up the road,” said McDonald.
“Jonathan Humphreys has done really well with Scotland. I’ve been lucky enough to train under him a couple of times before and he’s a great coach.
“Dave Rennie’s coaching experience is unbelievable and he’s achieved so much at the Chiefs, so it’s very exciting.”
Tagive, a former NRL player in Australia, made two appearances for the Warriors last season and has signed a partnership contract that will see him turn out regularly for Currie in the BT Premiership. Tagive was recruited in November last year.
Warriors assistant coach Kenny Murray said: “Ratu impressed playing for Currie and in his opportunities in a Glasgow shirt last season and has earned another year at the club.
“We expect him to continue to progress as he harnesses his natural athleticism and develops his knowledge of the game and the way we want to play. Kiran has spent time with us before and it’s great to welcome him back to Scotstoun.
“He’s an imposing and mobile player and will add to the competition we have in the second-row next season.”
The Warriors have re-tooled impressively for next season with the big signing of Scotland centre Huw Jones and Gavin Hastings’ son Adam the headliners, but most of the work has been cover for when the team’s many internationalists are absent in the autumn and Six Nations windows.
Former All Black wing Lelia Masaga, New Zealand-born flanker Calum Gibbins, South African loose head Oli Kebble and Italy back rower Samuela Vunisa have all been recruited. In addition, 14 players were signed to new contracts this season, including both the club’s British Lions Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour.