Strauss, Nakarawa sign new Glasgow Warriors deals

Leone Nakarawa, left, and Josh Strauss have both signed new deals. Picture: SNS

South African-born Strauss arrived in Glasgow in September 2012, and has racked up 56 appearances for the Scotstoun side while Fijian international Nakarawa signed in August 2013 and has turned out 30 times for Gregor Townsend’s men.

Originally a sevens player, the 26-year-old quit the military to focus on his rugby career.

The duo have both signed two-year deals, keeping them with the Guiness PRO12 side until May 2017.

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The news comes just days after Stuart Hogg and Lee Jones signed similar contracts.

Strauss, 28, has appeared regularly at Number 8 for Warriors, and is eligible to play for Scotland from September 2015.

During his time in Glasgow he has scored six tries and captained the side on occasion.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, he said: “I’ve learnt a lot working with the players and coaches at Scotstoun and it was a good decision to move to Glasgow from South Africa.

“I’ve enjoyed the last three years at the club and I really like the group of players that are here. I’ve developed playing in the Guinness PRO12 and European Rugby Champions Cup and I’m happy to be staying.

“I’m ambitious and I want to win trophies and I believe I have the best chance of doing that at the Warriors.”

Nakarawa, a 6ft 6in second-row, has made 24 appearances for Fiji, and represented his country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He believes he can continue to improve by staying at Glasgow.

He said: “Signing my first professional contract with Glasgow was a big move for me and I’m really enjoying playing for the club and I’m very happy living in the city.

“We have excellent players and coaches at Scotstoun.

“The supporters have been great with me since I joined and I’m delighted to be staying.”

Head coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to the backing from Scottish Rugby, adding: “Josh and Leone have made a big impact since they joined us and it’s a big boost for everyone at the club that they’re staying.

“Leone has worked really hard in training to adapt to the 15-a-side game, having predominately played sevens before arriving in Glasgow and he’s now a regular in the Fiji national squad.

“He has a wide variety of skills, which gives us something different and he’s versatile, being able to play in the second-row and back-row.

“Josh is part of our leadership group and has captained the side. When he first came over he settled in really well and has adapted quickly to our style of play.

“He will continue to have a big role to play at the club both on and off the pitch.”

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