Taqele Naiyaravoro excited to get going at Glasgow

Glasgow Warriors' new signing Taqele Naiyaravoro is eager to get going and could make his debut against Dragons. Picture: SNS

The winger, rated one of Australia’s most potent finishers, is set to make his debut for Gregor Townsend’s side against the Dragons at Scotstoun on Friday.

Naiyaravoro – signed by coach Townsend after the departure of Dan van der Merwe and Sean Maitland to the World Cup – said: “I’m very excited and glad to finally be here in Scotland. It has been a long process, but everything is now good.

“I’d love to be involved in the game on Friday after missing the last game against Munster, but it has been valuable to have had a week of preparation.

“If I’m involved, it will be an honour to play my first game for this club at my new home ground and I hope the fans come out and give me a warm welcome.”

Naiyaravoro, who has signed a three-year deal, made his Wallabies debut against the USA last month, scoring a try with his first touch after coming off the bench – and he would love a repeat show in Glasgow colours on the weekend of Scotland’s big Twickenham showdown against Australia.

Having also turned out for a World Select and the Barbarians, he said: “It has been a hectic few months travelling around the world and playing in different teams and in different atmospheres.

“It has been electrifying but I just couldn’t wait to get here.

“You can never stop learning and, after a year in Super Rugby, I want to learn as much as I can in this atmosphere, playing in the Pro12 and European Champions Cup.

“Training has been tough, but the boys have really helped me out a lot and the coaching staff and everybody have really opened their arms to me. It’s a privilege and an honour to be here.

“Glasgow is a good city and some people have already come up and asked me for pictures.

“It’s amazing how everyone is clinging to their rugby and I’m excited to be representing this club.”