Glasgow Warriors: Tjiuee Uanivi 'brings different attributes' to Leone Nakarawa

Tjiuee Uanivi has played in France with Brive and South Africa with Super Rugby outfit the Sharks

New Glasgow Warriors lock Tjiuee Uanivi says he does not see himself as a replacement for Leone Nakarawa.

Nakarawa, the hugely popular Fijian second-row, left the club in the summer to sign for French club Racing 92.

Uanivi, who signed from Super Rugby side the Sharks on a one-year deal, thinks he brings different skills.

"I'm probably a different player coming with different attributes," the 18-times capped Namibia international told BBC Scotland.

"Leone is a great player. He really did well here. He was here for a couple of seasons, grew and, if I could play anything close (to what he did), I'll be happy.

"Hopefully I can just contribute my part to the success of the club."

Uanivi has experience of European rugby having played for French side Brive from 2013 to 2015, but he believes the style of rugby employed by Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend is more akin to what he is used to from his time in South Africa with the Sharks.

"The brand of rugby here, what they believe in, is very appealing," explained the 25-year-old, who can cover all positions across the second and back rows.

"I know they've had a lot of success in previous years. They've been doing very well in the Pro12.

Uanivi impressed for Namibia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup

"The Pro12 in particular I don't know, but what Glasgow play I think is pretty similar (in style to Super Rugby). They try and up the pace of the game, make the opposition make mistakes. It's always exciting for any player to play a high-tempo game and running rugby.

"I enjoy the high-tempo games, contributing towards that. My line-out work is something I pride myself on and hopefully I can bring that across here.

"Gregor Townsend was obviously a great player in his day. Whenever a coach who used to be a great player talks to you and thinks you can come here and contribute, you want to go. He can teach you something because he knows what it takes.

"When you come to a club like Glasgow Warriors there's a winning habit here, everyone wants to win and be successful."

Uanivi - who played all four games for Namibia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, including an impressive display against eventual champions New Zealand - is also looking forward to linking up with fellow lock and club captain Jonny Gray at Scotstoun.

"I've seen him play a couple of times. For him to be only 22 and be captain of a team and play for Scotland - I think that says it all.

"He's a great player and someone I'll be looking to to help drive me to be a better player too."