Leonardo Sarto: Glasgow Warriors agree deal for Italy wing

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Leonardo Sarto in action for Italy against EnglandImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Leonardo Sarto has 26 caps for Italy

Italy wing Leonardo Sarto has agreed to join Glasgow Warriors on a two-year contract in the summer from Zebre.

The 24-year-old, who has 26 caps for his country, has signed a deal, subject to a medical, until May 2018.

Sarto said: "Glasgow Warriors are a massive club and play a great style of rugby.

"I wanted to move to the UK as I know the standard of rugby is high and I want to improve my game. Joining a club like Glasgow will help me do that."

Sarto knows Warriors well, having played against them for Zebre in the Pro12, and scored a try when making his international debut against Scotland in the South African Quadrangular Tournament in 2013.

"I've always known Glasgow is a great club and I know Simone Favaro is enjoying it there," he said of the 27-year-old back-row forward.

"I hear the fans love him and I hope I will have a similarly good relationship with them when I move over."

Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend said Sarto was a player Warriors "had been tracking for a while".

"Leonardo has been one of the best wingers in the Guinness Pro12 over the past few seasons and has an ability to break tackles," he added.

"He has also performed well at Test level and had an excellent all-round game against Scotland last month.

"We believe that he will make further improvements in our environment and will add to the competition for places in our backline."

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