Signings and returning stars add strength to Warriors

GLASGOW WARRIORS have completed two key bits of business ahead of tonight’s home PRO12 game against Scarlets.

They have agreed a new deal with winger Rory Hughes, and signed stand-off Brandon Thomson on a short-term agreement with the Stormers.

Hughes, who will make his comeback after knee surgery in tonight’s match, has penned a new two-year contract.

Thomson will aim to get match fit by playing for Stirling County tomorrow before coming into consideration for the Warriors’ next game.

He is only here for two months – at least for now – but with Finn Russell away with Scotland and Peter Horne recovering from injury, he could have a vital role to play.

“It’s very timely for us, with Finn being away and Peter still out injured, to be able to have a player of his quality coming in,” head coach Gregor Townsend said of Thomson.

“He’s played for the Stormers, Currie Cup for Western Province, and two seasons with South Africa Under-20. His father is from Scotland.”

As well as Hughes, Richie Vernon and Scott Cummings are back from injury, while three members of the wider Scotland squad have been released to play tonight: scrum- half Henry Pyrgos, prop Alex Allan and flanker Rob Harley.

“We’ve got three guys back, and the bonus is that they came in last Friday and did a session,” Townsend said.

“We’ve not had them this week until today, but we’ve put things up online for them to look at in terms of plays and they’ve done their homework.

“You’re talking about three very professional players. Henry is our captain, Rob is our most-capped player, and Alex is very professional. So we feel they’ll get into it very quickly.

“It’s a real boost to have so many players returning from injury, and it’s a testament to our medical staff and the players’ hard work that they’re back fit ahead of schedule.

“The squad has trained really well over the past two weeks and we have a group of players that can’t wait to get back out on the field at Scotstoun.”