Franco Smith locks in his first signing of the new season
TRANSFER NEWS: Patrick Schickerling has become Glasgow Warriors’ first new signing ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, after the prop agreed to make the move to Scotstoun from Exeter Chiefs.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a multi-year deal ahead of the new season, with the club having already extended the deals of Scotland internationals Scott Cummings, Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews – as well as head coach Franco Smith – during the 2023/24 season.
A dynamic ball-carrier in the loose in addition to providing a solid platform at the set-piece, the tighthead prop has made 35 appearances to date in Exeter Chiefrs colours, scoring seven tries in the process.
Namibian-born, the Walvis Bay High School product originally signed for Exeter Chiefs in November 2018, having impressed for the Pumas in the Currie Cup in addition to representing Namibia at the 2018 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Romania.
Having enjoyed loan spells at Chinnor and Cornish Pirates, Schickerling established himself in the Exeter Chiefs first-team squad in 2021/22, featuring prominently in both the Premiership and Champions Cup for the Devon outfit.
Tries against West Country rivals Bristol Bears and Bath endeared the prop to the Sandy Park faithful, whilst an 81st minute score against Leicester Tigers saw Schickerling secure a late victory for Exeter in their opening home match of the 2022/23 season.
The prop also started in the 2023 Premiership Cup Final, helping Exeter Chiefs to a 24-20 victory over London Irish after extra time.
“I’m very excited,” Schickerling told glasgowwarriors.org.
“I believe that my best years are still ahead of me, and I think that Glasgow’s style of play will suit me down to the ground – I enjoy my set-piece work, but I love to get my hands on the ball and I’d say I’m not your typical tighthead prop, so I’m keen to get involved as much as I can.
“I think Glasgow is one of the best places to be playing right now, which is why I’ve committed to a long-term deal. Talking to Franco and the coaching team, the fact that this club is so closely linked to the community is a massive selling point for me, and I’m excited to join a club that’s intent on challenging for domestic and European honours.
“I’ve been watching Glasgow a lot in the URC and in Europe this year, and the club is on a really exciting journey. It was an easy decision to make when the offer came in – now I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting stuck in this season.”
Head Coach Franco Smith welcomed the new addition, saying: “We’re pleased to welcome Patrick to the club as we continue to make preparations for the 2024/25 season.
“He is a strong ball-carrier and someone who will bring a unique set of characteristics to our playing group.
“He is someone who we believe has a great deal of potential, and is a player with whom we are excited to work and help to develop into the best version of himself.”
