GLASGOW WARRIORS fans can now relax, the weeks of pondering where Leone Nakarawa was going to end up are now over; and the long-running rumour that he was set to rejoin the Scotstoun club have now come true.
Warriors announced yesterday that, subject to his medical and getting a visa, the Fijian will put pen to paper and spend the remainder of the season in Glasgow.
The 31-year-old arrived in the city yesterday following an eventful month, to say the least.
Nakarawa has spent the past three-and-a-half years at Racing 92 but following his late return from the World Cup this summer, the French club began disciplinary action against him. They claimed there had been numerous breaches of discipline by the Fijian, and the suspension by the club ultimately ended with them ripping up Nakarawa’s contract, leaving him a free agent.
A number of high-profile clubs were in the running for the internationalist’s signature, with several having the potential to offer far greater financial remuneration than Warriors had at their disposal.
However, Nakarawa’s hugely successful first stint at the club, between 2013 and 2016, meant he had a number of good friends at the club, notably Ryan Wilson who he has remained in close contact with, and Warriors hoped that may sway Nakarawa’s decision in their favour.
And so it proved, with the 6 foot 6 inches man from Tavua making his decision to return this week.
It is a signing that will delight the Warriors fans, who are badly in need of a boost. Their side are currently floundering in fourth place in their Pro14 conference, a whopping 23 points behind leaders Leinster and so the signing of Nakarawa could not have been more timely.
And the Fijian is just as pleased to be back in Glasgow as the club are to have signed him.
“I’ve remained close with my ex-teammates during my time in Paris and they played a big role in my decision to come back,” he said, speaking to the club website.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Dave Rennie and the coaching staff. Glasgow Warriors play an attacking style, which suits the way I like to play.
“The pitch may be different but I can’t wait to see some familiar faces in the crowd when I run out at Scotstoun”.
And head coach, Rennie, is delighted to be able to welcome a true world-class player into the dressing room.
“We’re rapt to welcome Leone back to Glasgow,” the New Zealander said.
“Everyone knows how dangerous he is with ball in hand and Glasgow supporters have fond memories of his previous exploits in a Warriors jersey.
“Since his move Leone has continued to develop as a player and was named the European Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season.
“He is close with a lot of the players and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back into the squad this week.”
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