Originally from the Pucaru club in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, he has arrived at the RBS National League club after spells in Spain and France.

As a Uruguay internationalist, he has added some intrigue to a division which really has caught the imagination during the first month, with young Scottish talent leading the way.

"I am really happy to be at Hamilton. I have only been here for a few weeks but, as soon as I arrived, I found the people to be very friendly," said Ibarburu, after completing another training session at the club's base at Laigh Bent. "When people in Uruguay think about Scotland they immediately think about whisky, which is very popular back home. Already I have travelled through some of Scotland to away matches, and think it is a really beautiful country."

Weighing in at nearly 19 stone, Ibarburu will certainly offer a physical edge to the Hamilton front-row this season. The prop's hulking frame is impressive but it would also appear to be genetic. "My grandfather was a prop, my uncle was a prop, my cousin is a prop, so it was natural that I would also be a prop," he said.

"I think that the set piece is important here, but maybe not so much as in France and Spain. It seems from the games I have played so far that it is played more quickly. Hamilton try to play good rugby with everyone involved and I am enjoying that."

Ibarburu has been joined in Scotland by his pregnant wife Cristina, who has played rugby for Spain, and they are enjoying the hospitality. "The biggest challenge we have just now is the language, but I am sure this will become easier," he said. "Here at Hamilton they also take it very seriously, but everyone wants to make sure that you are okay, that you are settling in well. It seems that everyone is friends with everyone else and we are excited about this year."

Like most Scottish clubs, Hamilton try hard to have local people involved in the sport, with volunteers working a huge number of hours with the mini section upwards. However, there is a lack of props around at present.

"Each season our 'conveyor belt' produces a lot of 18-year-olds who are ready to take their place in the senior teams but, to compete consistently at this level, there are always a couple of positions we need to bolster in the short term," said Kevin Rodgerson, the Hamilton secretary. "It is important to get the balance right and we need incoming players to be part of the club, to teach their team-mates, to develop those around them and to leave some sort of legacy. With his range of experience we think that Gaston will be able to really help our next generation."