Chauncey O'Toole sorts out visa to join Glasgow

GLASGOW have confirmed another loan signing after Canadian international flanker Chauncey O'Toole returned to Scotland with a new work visa.

The 24-year-old flanker had pitched up in Glasgow this summer after his compatriot DTH van der Merwe mentioned him to Sean Lineen, the Glasgow coach.

Lineen liked what he saw but O'Toole did not have the requisite visa in place and so had to return to Canada.

He was back on Friday night and travelled straight from the airport to Firhill to catch Glasgow's opening Magners League win over Leinster. Lineen has signed him until the end of October, primarily as cover for injuries.

After completing his first training session yesterday, O'Toole said: "I'm really excited to be here.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get what is my first professional contract with a club like Glasgow.

"My ambition is to make the most of this opportunity and to try and earn a spot in the line-up as often as possible.

Canada have their November tour to Europe coming up, and I hope to be a part of that."

O'Toole played rugby and ice hockey in Canada and was recently part of RGC 1404, a rugby development initiative between Rugby Canada and the Welsh Rugby Union, which also involved a period in North Wales as part of a nine-man Canadian contingent.

He has played for Canada on the international sevens circuit and made his international debut against Ireland in 2009. The 6ft 2in, 15-stone forward has gone on to win six caps in all, winning the 'Man of the Match' award in Canada's 48-6 victory over Uruguay in the recent Churchill Cup and scoring in the final against England Saxons. He has also represented Canada 7s on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit.