Bearded wonder: South African no.8 Strauss is moving onto pastures new after signing a three-year deal with Glasgow
SOUTH AFRICAN No.8 Josh Strauss has signed a three-year contract with Glasgow. Strauss has pledged his services to the Warriors until at least the end of May 2015, subject to medical and visa, and is due to arrive in the next fortnight.
Glasgow were after a back-row replacement after losing Viliami Ma’afu with immediate effect, due to family and personal reasons.
The 25-year-old is renowned as one of the most dynamic and powerful back-rowers in the Super XV competition, where he has captained the Lions for the last two seasons.
Strauss also skippered the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, leading them to triumph in the 2011 edition of the prestigious competition where they beat Natal Sharks in the final.
His peers 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.
Strauss today outlined his enthusiasm at joining with the Warriors, telling www.glasgowwarriors.org: “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 how ambitious the club are to move forward on and 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.
“I’m massively looking forward to arriving in Glasgow, seeing the facilities at Scotstoun Stadium for myself, and playing my part in helping the club achieve a successful season.”
Strauss represented Boland on the Western Cape at under-19 and under-21 level before spending a year in France with Lons-le-Saunier.
Strauss quickly established himself as a cult figure with supporters both through his rambunctious style of play and distinctive full-length beard.
The facial fuzz sadly bit the dust after he guided the Golden Lions to Currie Cup triumph last year, when it was “forcibly removed” by teammate Wikus van Heerden.
JOSH STRAUSS
Position: No.8/flanker
Date of Birth: 23 October 1986
Height: 1.93m
Weight: 114kg
Past clubs/regions: Boland, Lons-le-Saunier, Golden Lions, Lions