Glasgow Warriors sign Fiji scrum-half Nemia Kenatale

GLASGOW Warriors are keeping their Fiji connection alive with the news that they have signed scrum-half Nemia Kenatale on a one-year deal.

Nemia Kenatale scoring for Fiji against Uruguay at last year's World Cup

With star lock Leone Nakarawa and prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa departing Scotstoun this summer, the Fijian flavour will be maintained by the arrival, subject to a visa and medical, of 30-year-old Kenatale, who is the second choice scrum-half for the Pacific island nation to former Warriors favourite Niko Matawalu, who now plays for Bath.

Kenatale has 37 caps for his country and was first-choice No 9 at the 2011 World Cup. He has spent the past two seasons playing in Romania for Steaua Bucuresti and Farul Constanta and also spent time in New Zealand with ITM Cup side Southland Stags.

Kenatale was in the Fiji Rugby World Cup squad in England last year, scoring a try in the win over Uruguay.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Nemia Kenatale said: “I’m very excited to have signed for Glasgow Warriors.

“I want to be as successful as the other Fijian boys who have played for the club and what is important to me is that I’ll be playing at a very high level.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the Guinness PRO12 and European Rugby Champions Cup next season.

“I spoke to [coach] Gregor [Townsend] and he explained to me about the culture at the club and the way the club is growing and the environment at Scotstoun.

“Niko (Matawalu) told me about his time in Glasgow and he was very positive about everything.

“I like playing fast-paced running rugby and I’m looking forward to playing that style of rugby in Glasgow next season.”

Townsend added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Nemia to Glasgow this summer.

“He is an experienced scrum-half, having played regularly for Fiji over the last few seasons.

“He excels in the fundamentals of scrum-half play – getting quickly to rucks and passing accurately to his stand-off.

“Like most Fijians, Nemia thrives when the tempo of a game is high, which is the way we aspire to play.

“With Mike Blair retiring we’re delighted Nemia has agreed to join us to compete with the other scrum-halves at the club.”

Kenatale is the latest new signing for the 2016/17 season, joining hooker Corey Flynn, Italy wing Leonardo Sarto, prop Jarrod Firth and fly-half Rory Clegg.