GLASGOW WARRIORS have found a new way to bolster their squad for next season, in particular that period when they could have more than 20 players on Rugby World Cup duty, by signing four young hopefuls on partnership deals with clubs across the country.
For all four, it could be the stepping stone to a full-time contract. They are likely to be needed during September and early October, and will have the chance to establish their credentials early on, with the back-up of regular club rugby if they find themselves back on the sidelines once the Test players return.
Three of the four are already familiar faces around the club. Will Bordill, the flanker, has had seven outings as a replacement and will be on a joint deal with Ayr; Jason Hill was the stand-out performer for Heriot's including scoring the last-second try that won the BT Premiership final for his club in its 125th season and has been training with the club since February; Gregor Hunter joined from Edinburgh but missed last season with a knee injury - though he is now back to full fitness and will play for Glasgow Hawks as well as the Warriors.
Possibly the most interesting, and certainly the least known, of the four is Javan Sebastian, a 20-year-old tighthead prop who has a Scottish father but has been living and playing in Wales, where he was a member of the academy at the Scarlets. He has a reputation as a mobile, ball-carrying prop and with Euan Murray leaving there are bound to be openings for him.
He is moving from the Carmarthen Quins club to Glasgow where he will play for Ayr when he is not needed at the pro club. He played age-grade rugby for Wales but, crucially, missed out at the Under-20 level so would be available for Scotland if he makes the grade.
"It will be a great opportunity for me to impress, as well as to grow and develop as a player," he said. "It's an amazing club to join. I'm sure they'll teach me a lot and the move will have a positive impact on my career. The Glasgow team is filled with young, talented rugby players working in a great environment, which I can't wait to be a part of."
For Gregor Townsend, the Glasgow Warriors head coach, the moves help boost his planning for next season, with further deals still to be done before he will have completed his squad. "With the Rugby World Cup being played at the start of the season, we know we're going to have a number of players involved in that tournament and it's important we have others who can step up," he explained.
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