Glasgow Warriors sign Georgian hooker

Georgia hooker Shalva Mamukashvili has signed for Glasgow Warriors. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The former Sale player comes in after Kevin Bryce and Fergus Scott each underwent shoulder operations, while Fraser Brown is recovering from foot surgery.

The 25-year-old has 35 caps and featured in all four of Georgia’s Rugby World Cup pool games in England. He joins the Warriors squad for their European Champions Cup clash with Racing 92 in France on Saturday.

Bryce and Scott are expected to remain on the sidelines for several months, while back-rower Jason Hill has had ankle surgery and is set for a two-month lay-off.

Mamukashvili said: “Last season I watched the European Rugby Champions Cup and Guinness Pro12 and I know Glasgow Warriors are a really good club, I think they are one of the best in Europe.

“Playing against Argentina and New Zealand at the World Cup was a great experience and something which will help me at the Warriors,” added Mamukashvili.

“I arrived in Glasgow 10 days ago and all the players have been really welcoming. Glasgow have a lot of international players, and it’s a very professional team and I feel very good here.”

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added: “Shalva is a very experienced hooker, who has been playing international rugby for the last four years and played well for Georgia against the All Blacks at the World Cup. He was also at Sale Sharks last season, playing at a high level in the English Premiership and Champions Cup.

“He came down to Cardiff at the weekend and has been training with us for over a week, so he’s ready to play if selected.”