Glasgow sign 'proven performer' Talaki

Head coach Franco Smith says his young front-rowers can learn from new signing Sam Talakai

Australia tighthead prop Sam Talakai has agreed to join Glasgow Warriors, subject to visa.

The URC club say the 32-year-old will arrive at Scotstoun "in the coming weeks".

Former Waratahs player Talakai has made a century of Super Rugby appearances and was most recently with Melbourne Rebels. He won his solitary senior international cap in a 2022 win over Wales.

As well as representing Australia A and the Barbarians, the prop also had a four-year spell in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath.

Head coach Franco Smith says Glasgow have signed "a proven performer" in Talakai.

"Sam is a proven performer who we believe can add to our squad this season," Smith said.

"To play 100 matches in Super Rugby shows the consistently high levels of performance he brings, and to have someone with that experience in our squad that our young, Scottish-qualified front-rowers can learn from can only benefit both the club and Scottish rugby in the long term.

“Adding Sam also allows us to manage the workload of our senior international front-rowers, across what will be a long and physical season."

Talaka says the "direction the club is heading" was a key factor in the move.

He added: "There’s a great squad assembled and my kids getting to experience a new culture – both as part of Glasgow Warriors and in the city of Glasgow – is the cherry on top.

"I’m someone who just goes to work and executes my core role for the team."