Warriors bolster backline experience

NORTHAMPTON- UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 11 : Troy Nathan of Connacht in action during the European Challenge Cup Quarter Final match between Northampton Saints and Connacht at Franklins Gardens on April 11, 2009 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Troy Nathan calling the shots for Connacht

Glasgow Warriors have signed Connacht utility back Troy Nathan on a two-year-deal in a bid to add further experience to their back division for next season and beyond. Although utilised at either stand-off or centre, Warriors head coach Sean Lineen sees the 27-year-old New Zealander primarily as a centre.

On the latest addition to his squad for next season, Lineen said: “You can see the solidity and vision he has brought to the Connacht backline. He’s a little bit older and with so many Scottish youngsters in our squad – which is good – and others hoping to be at the Rugby World Cup throughout September and October, we need an older head in the midfield. A bit of maturity and experience is what we need.

“He knows the game and has plenty Magners League experience. He’s a top lad and is very ambitious so I know he’ll make a difference.”

Auckland-born Nathan, who will join the Warriors subject to a satisfactory medical, has made 73 appearances for Connacht, 22 of which have been in European competition, over a four-year stint with the Irish province scoring five tries. He joined Connacht in 2007 from Air New Zealand Cup side Counties Manukau having also been brought up through the development set-up at then Super 14 outfit, Chiefs.

Impressed with what he has seen of Glasgow both on and off the pitch in recent years, and their plans for the coming seasons, Nathan said: “I spoke to Sean [Lineen] about the new additions to the team for next season and the facilities at Scotstoun are also a big factor in my decision.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of what Glasgow are hoping to achieve over the coming years – it’s a very forward-thinking set-up. Glasgow has had a strong history over the past few years and I’m excited about being a part of the future.”

Troy Nathan (Centre)
Born: 09.10.1983 in Auckland, NZ
Height: 1.84m
Weight: 97kg

SQUAD UPDATE
IN/RE-SIGNED: Michael Cusack, DTH van der Merwe, Pat MacArthur, Graeme Morrison, Peter Murchie, Troy Nathan, Tom Ryder, Tommy Seymour
OUT: James Eddie, Max Evans, Aly Muldowney, Bernardo Stortoni, Kevin Tkachuk, Richie Vernon