Glasgow sign Namibian lock Tjiuee Uanivi

28 June 2016 01:23

Glasgow have moved to replace Leone Nakarawa after signing Namibian lock Tjiuee Uanivi on a one-year deal.

Fijian talisman Nakarawa has clinched a move to French giants Racing 92, leaving Scotstoun boss Gregor Townsend in need of fresh second-row options.

Now he hopes he has solved that conundrum after landing Uanivi fr om South African Super Rugby franchise the Sharks, subject to a visa and medical.

Uanivi, who recently had a short loan spell at the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth, has penned a contract at Scotstoun until at least May 2017.

The 6ft 7in Namibia international, who has 14 caps for his country, joined the Sharks in January following a number of impressive displays at last year's Rugby World Cup.

Prior to joining the Sharks, the 25-year-old had also spent time in France with Top 14 outfit Brive.

The versatile Uanivi, who can also play across the back-row, is due to arrive in Glasgow next month.

He is the latest player to join the Warriors ahead of the new season, with winger Leonardo Sarto, hooker Corey Flynn and scrum-half Nemia Kenatale joining fly-half Rory Clegg and props Djustice Sears-Duru and Jarrod Firth at Scotstoun for the new campaign.

Uanivi said: "I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to play with Glasgow Warriors next season.

"It's a club with a rich history, who play exciting rugby and have had lots of recent success, and I will do all I can to help that continue.

"The new artificial pitch at Scotstoun will really suit my style of play and I can't wait to get started with the players and coaches."

Townsend added: "Tjiuee has excellent athleticism and put in a number of impressive performances for Namibia at last year's Rugby World Cup.

"We believe his strengths suit the high-tempo rugby we aspire to play, but he will have to work hard every day to win a starting place up against the other second rows at the club.

"We now have a really good balance within our second-row group for next season and it will be exciting to see them build partnerships and continue to improve."

Source: PA