Glasgow swoop for Strauss

Glasgow have signed South African number eight Josh Strauss after Viliami Ma'afu ended his brief spell with the Warriors.

Glasgow announced "one of the most exciting signings in the club's history" shortly after revealing Tongan back-row forward Ma'afu was leaving Scotland for personal reasons.

Strauss, who has captained the Lions in the Super 15 for the past two seasons, has signed a three-year contract.

Strauss, who will arrive in Glasgow in the next fortnight, told his new club's official website: "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."

Townsend added: "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 XV."

Ma'afu joined Glasgow this summer but did not feature in either of Glasgow's first two RaboDirect Pro12 games of the season, and the club said he had departed with "immediate effect due to family and personal reasons".

The statement added: "Glasgow Warriors thank the player for his excellent professionalism and wish him and his family every success in the future.

"Viliami wishes to make clear that his reasons for leaving the club are purely personal."