Former Golden Lions captain Joshua Strauss has become the latest player to leave the Johannesburg union, signing a three-year contract to join the Glasgow Warriors until 31 May 2015.
Strauss, who captained the MTN Lions in this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, is now the fifth player to sign elsewhere since the Lions were ejected from next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
The 25-year-old flanker signed to replace Tongan No 8 Viliami Ma’afu, who left the club suddenly citing personal reasons, and could well become part of Scotland’s national team if he decides to stay on long term.
Scotland have already targeted former Free State prop WP Nel to play for their national side in three years' time, and Strauss could well be the next South African to make the shift. Indeed, in the club’s press release announcing his signing, coach Gregor Townsend hints that the Scottish Rugby Union had helped financially and Strauss’s own agent hinted he would try and qualify for the Scots for the 2015 World Cup.
Strauss has been ignored by national selectors among a plethora of strong loose forwards and given his form of late, could well be a major asset to Scotland going forward.
Strauss on Tuesday outlined his enthusiasm at joining the Warriors, telling www.glasgowwarriors.org : “I’m really excited to have signed for Glasgow Warriors and can’t wait to get on that plane and hit the ground running with my new club and teammates.
“I’ve had a number of really positive conversations with [head coach] Gregor Townsend, where he’s explained how ambitious the club are to move forward on and off the field.
“There are a lot of top players in the squad, especially in the back row, and I know I will have to fight hard to prove my worth and earn selection.
“I’m massively looking forward to arriving in Glasgow, seeing the facilities at Scotstoun Stadium for myself, and playing my part in helping the club achieve a successful season.”
Head coach Townsend has hailed Strauss as a “terrific addition”, saying: “Josh is an outstanding player and person who will be a fantastic asset for our team and club.
“He’s a signing who will excite both the rest of the squad and our supporters, who doubtless will have enjoyed watching him lead from the front with the Lions in Super Rugby.
“Technically, he has all the elements you’d want to see in a No 8. Josh is here first and foremost to make an outstanding contribution on the field, but we also see him as someone who will be a very positive and inspirational influence for our young back-row players as they make strides in the game.
“On behalf of everyone at Glasgow Warriors, I’d like to formally welcome Josh to the club.
“With the support of Scottish Rugby, we’re committed to retaining our best players and to making strong additions when the opportunity arises. Signing a high profile player of Josh’s calibre is a signal of our ambition, and also an endorsement of the growth the club has undergone on and off the pitch.
"This is an exciting move for Josh and the timing is perfect as it potentially opens up the opportunity for representing Scotland at the next World Cup," said Strauss's agent Dane Galley.
Golden Lions president Kevin de Klerk said in a separate statement that he was pleased for Strauss.
“We are pleased that we could come to an agreement with Josh and Glasgow Warriors which will allow Josh to fulfill his desire to play rugby in Europe for an extended period. We want to thank Josh for his contribution at the Lions and wish him all the best with his future,” De Klerk said.
But the Lions president did not state why they would allow the release, after publicly stating the majority of Lions players would stay at the union and are “signed and sealed”.
In recent weeks the likes of Caylib Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), Jacobie Adriaanse (Scarlets), Paul Willemse (Bulls) and Ruan Botha (WP) all chose not to stay at the Lions, although all four were at the end of their contracts at the time.
With the shortage of tightheads at the moment losing WP Nel was crazy. Now it looks like he and Stauss will play for Scotland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Every effort must be made to get WP Nel back.
Glad we picked up baby Bok lock Ruan Botha - who will be under 21 next year as well. Sign up taute WP thats you you most need!
