Saffa swaps Premiership for Glasgow

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Petrus du Plessis from London Irish on a deal until the end of the season.

The experienced tight-head prop played for English Premiership side Saracens 158 times between 2009 and 2017. During that spell he won the Champions Cup twice and the English Premiership three times.

After leaving Saracens the South African went on to play 27 games for London Irish.

The 37-year-old, who has played 31 Champions Cup matches during an illustrious career, goes straight into the Warriors Heineken Champions Cup squad ahead of Sunday’s opening game against his former side, Saracens at Scotstoun.

Glasgow Warriors have signed Petrus du Plessis from London Irish on a deal until May 2019

He arrived in Glasgow yesterday and started training with his new teammates at a training camp in Largs this morning.

Speaking to Glasgow Warriors TV, Petrus du Plessis, said: “I’m very happy to be at Glasgow Warriors, this is a great club.

“It all happened very quickly – within three days I’m here, so I’m very excited to play in the Champions Cup and PRO14 this season.

“It’s exciting that my first game could be against my former club Saracens – you couldn’t write the script if you tried!

“I’ve heard the matchday experience at Scotstoun is fantastic, the crowd really gets behind the team, they’re vocal and they’re loud.

“Glasgow Warriors play a really expansive and physical game, which is great and I’ve only heard good things about the club from former players,”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach, Dave Rennie added: “It’s great that we’ve been able to obtain someone of Petrus’ experience at such short notice.

“He has played rugby at the highest level, is a good man and a really solid set piece operator.

“With Zander (Fagerson) and Siua (Halanukonuka) injured he brings some much needed depth at tight-head,”