Glasgow Warriors sign Waikato lock Brian Alainu'uese

Alainu’uese (centre) has been a regular starter for Waikato this season

Glasgow have bolstered their second-row resources by signing Waikato lock Brian Alainu'uese until the end of the season, subject to a visa and medical.

The Warriors have two locks, Greg Peterson and Scott Cummings, sidelined for six months and a third, Tjiuee Uanivi, also currently injured.

Two more, Jonny Gray and Tim Swinson, are likely to be on Scotland duty next month, leaving them short of fit locks.

New Zealand-born Alainu'uese, 22, has already starting training with Glasgow.

Standing 6ft 8ins and weighing 135kg (21st 3lb), the giant lock played six times and scored three tries in his first season for Waikato in 2013.

He played for Samoa's Under-20s - because of his island heritage - at the Junior Wold Championships that year before two injury-affected seasons.

But he made two Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs - under future Glasgow coach Dave Rennie - last year and has started seven games for Waikato in this season's Mitre Cup, the successor to New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

Alainu'uese said he is "really excited" about joining Glasgow, having spoken to Rennie - who will succeed Gregor Townsend as head coach at the end of the season.

"He told me great things about the club and it made me want to join," Alainu'uese told the Warriors' website. "Everyone in New Zealand knows that Glasgow Warriors is a great club and there are good people here.

"I watched [Glasgow's former All Blacks hooker] Corey Flynn playing when I was growing up and [Glasgow prop] Jarrod Firth spent some time at the Chiefs, so it'll be good to get to know those boys, as well as the rest of the squad.

"From what I've seen Glasgow like to throw the ball around and play a fast game and that's the way I like to play too. I'll give it my best over here and if an opportunity comes I'll take it. I just want to give my all for Glasgow."

Glasgow head coach Townsend says Alainu'uese "has a real physical presence" and "the ability to play an offloading game".

"We're delighted to secure the services of such a quality second-row, and we're looking forward to integrating him into our squad," he added.