GLASGOW Warriors have been given a significant boost for next season with the capture of international winger Lelia Masaga.
The 30-year-old New Zealander has signed a two-year contract, subject to a medical and a visa, and will join from the Chiefs at the end of the current Super Rugby season.
Capped once by the All Blacks back in 2009, Masaga won two Super Rugby titles with the Waikato outfit in 2012 and 2013. New Warriors coach Dave Rennie, who like his new signing will arrive in Scotland once his current Super Rugby commitments are over, was Chiefs coach in both those years.
“I’m excited to be joining my new club Glasgow Warriors in August,” Masaga said yesterday. “I’m looking forward to being there under Dave Rennie as head coach, to be part of a great team of players and to meet all the fans who support the club. I can’t wait to start this new journey in Scotland.”
Nicknamed “Flash”, Masaga becomes the team’s fifth signing for the new season following Huw Jones, Callum Gibbins, Oli Kebble and Adam Hastings. “Lelia is an experienced and powerful player who has proven himself at the highest level in Super Rugby,” new Warriors assistant coach Jason O’Halloran said. “He knows Dave well through their time together at the Chiefs and will be an excellent addition to our squad.”
Meanwhile, Edinburgh have appointed their former back-row forward Roddy Grant as their assistant forwards coach for next season. Formerly a coach with the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, Grant replaces Stevie Scott, whose departure has now been confirmed.
The signing of Grant completes the coaching team under Edinburgh’s new head coach Richard Cockerill. As announced last week, Duncan Hodge will stay as attack coach, Calum Macrae joins as defence coach, and Matt Cornwell will be head of rugby operations.
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