GREGOR TOWNSEND insists Fiji international scrum-half Nemia Kenatale should be a perfect fit for Glasgow Warriors next season.
Kenatale has agreed a one-year deal subject to a visa and a medical with Townsend excited by what he can bring to the squad.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Nemia to Glasgow this summer,” said the Warriors’ head coach.
“He is an experienced scrum-half, having played regularly for Fiji over the last few seasons.
“He excels in the fundamentals of scrum-half play – getting quickly to rucks and passing accurately to his stand-off.
“Like most Fijians, Nemia thrives when the tempo of a game is high, which is the way we aspire to play.
“With Mike Blair retiring, we’re delighted Nemia has agreed to join us to compete with the other scrum-halves at the club."
Kenatale, who is in the Fiji squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, has 37 caps for his country and has scored seven tries.
The 30-year-old will arrive in Glasgow this summer having spent two seasons playing in Romania for Steaua Bucuresti and Farul Constan?a.
He has also represented New Zealand ITM Cup side Southland Stags and was included in the Highlanders wider training group.
Kenatale was selected in the Fiji Rugby World Cup squad in England last year, scoring a try in the win over Uruguay and was Fiji's first-choice scrum-half at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He has already set his sights on emulating the likes of Leone Nakarawa and Jerry Yanuyanutawa at Scotstoun.
“I want to be as successful as the other Fijian boys who have played for the club and what is important to me is that I’ll be playing at a very high level,” said Kenatale.
“I spoke to Gregor and he explained to me about the culture at the club, the way the club is growing and the environment at Scotstoun."
Kenatale has spent time battling it out with former Glasgow scrum-half Niko Matawalu, now with Bath, for the number nine jersey with Fiji.
“Niko told me about his time in Glasgow and he was very positive about everything,” he said.
“I like playing fast-paced running rugby and I’m looking forward to playing that style of rugby in Glasgow next season.”
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