Glasgow Warriors have signed No.8 Josh Strauss following the departure of Viliami Ma'afu.
South African No.8 to join Warriors back-row
Glasgow Warriors have pulled off a coup by securing South African No.8 Josh Strauss on a three-year contract with the Glasgow Warriors.
The 25-year-old is renowned as one of the most dynamic and powerful back-rowers in the Super XV competition where he captained the Lions for the last two seasons.
The announcement follows the departure of Viliami Ma'afu, who left the Scottish team with immediate effect due to family and personal reasons.
The Warriors were determined to recruit a suitable replacement in the back-row and Strauss's signing does not disappoint.
The South African spoke of his delight at joining, telling the team's official website: "I'm really excited to have signed for Glasgow Warriors and can't wait to get on that plane and hit the ground running with my new club and team-mates.
"I've had a number of really positive conversations with [head coach] Gregor Townsend, where he's explained to me how ambitious the club are to move forward on the off the field.
"There are a lot of top players in the squad, especially in the back row and I know I will have to fight hard to prove my worth and earn selection."
Strauss skippered the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, leading them to victory in the 2011 edition of the prestigious competition where they beat Natal Sharks in the final.
His team-mates named him Currie Cup Player of the Tournament for a series of outstanding displays, characterised by impressive ball-carrying and a high-octane approach to his duties at the base of the scrum.
On top of this achievement, Strauss was handed both the Currie Cup and Super XV captaincy in 2011.
"A terrific addition"
The No.8 is due to arrive in Scotland in the next fortnight to bring further quality to a squad that already includes the likes of Rob Harley, Angus Macdonald, James Eddie, John Barclay, Chris Fusaro and Ryan Wilson.
Townsend hailed the new signing as a "terrific addition" and an "outstanding player and person who will be a fantastic asset" for the team and club.
He added: "Technically, he has all the elements you'd want to see in a No.8. Ryan Wilson has been in excellent form these past 12 months and having that level of competition is great for all concerned.
"Josh is here first and foremost to make an outstanding contribution on the field, but we also see him as someone who will be a very positive and inspirational influence for our young back-row players as they make strides in the game."
