GLASGOW have significantly strengthened their squad by signing loosehead prop Nathan McBeth - a move which the former Scotland Under-20 international has acclaimed as “a dream come true” for himself.
The Warriors have had their problems in the position in recent months because of injury, and had to sign Cardiff Blues prop Brad Thyer on a short-term loan as cover. But now when the URC resumes following a month’s break for the Autumn Nations Series McBeth will compete with Jamie Bhatti and Oli Kebble for the No 1 jersey.
Now 23, McBeth played for South Africa’s under-20s in the summer of 2018, several months after turning out for Scotland’s age-group side in the Under-20s Six Nations Championship. He has joined Glasgow from their URC rivals the Lions, for whom he played in their 14-56 defeat by the British & Irish Lions this summer.
“I'm very thankful for the opportunity to join the Warriors,” he said in a press release from the Scotstoun-based team. “It will be an honour to represent them for the next few years. I can’t wait to meet the team and start to train with them.
“It’s a dream come true for me. Glasgow has always stood out for me because of the exciting brand of rugby that they play and I’m very excited to become a part of that."
McBeth’s move north is testament to his ambition of adding full Scotland honours to his under-20s caps, although his first step will have to be to win a regular place in the Warriors’ matchday squad, as both Bhatti and Kebble are experienced internationals. He could be helped, however, by national coach Gregor Townsend’s decision to regard Kebble as someone who can play on either side of the front row.
Having been linked with the new arrival in recent weeks, Warriors head coach Danny Wilson was pleased to have completed the signing. “Nathan is a player we’ve had our eye on for some time,” he said.
“He’s a physical ball-carrier and a young man who is willing to learn and improve his own game. To be able to add a young, Scottish-qualified prop of his calibre is a real boost and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Glasgow finished their opening block of five URC games with a home defeat by champions Leinster on Friday night. Their next game in the league is on 27 November, when they visit Benetton.
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