Picture courtesy of Evening Times

The signing of prop Hamish Mitchell has completed Glasgow Warriors’ recruitment drive ahead of the 2009/10 Magners League and Heineken Cup campaign.

Although his favourite film is Braveheart, Mitchell, actually qualifies for Scotland through his father John who was born in Peterhead. He joins The Biggest Team in Glasgow from New Zealand NPC side Taranaki.

Hamish, who arrived in Glasgow at the weekend, has previously played for Connacht, Saracens and more recently the Cornish Pirates, but despite a short period in Galway with Connacht, the 115kg prop has still had to research the Warriors and their Magners League opposition since being recruited by Sean Lineen.

”I don’t know a huge amount about the Magners League but the internet is a wonderful thing and I’ve been doing my homework on Glasgow and the rest of the Celtic sides.

“What I do know however is that Glasgow is a great city, we have a strong team and the club is very ambitious.”

Although his family connections lay a path towards potential Scotland honours, Mitchell is realistic about the task ahead of him.

“First and foremost I want to do well with Glasgow. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that for the next wee while.”

His most memorable moment in rugby was coming on as a replacement for Taranaki against the British & Irish Lions in 2005, a game which also saw new Warriors signing Chris Cusiter start in the famous red jersey.

“As a Lion, Chris Cusiter has obviously got a fair bit of ability. Having guys like him at the club is fantastic and it’s going to be a great opportunity to team up with players like him.”

Warriors head coach Lineen added: “Hamish arrived on a lovely sunny day and I’ve told him that the weather is always like that in Glasgow.

“He’s very keen coming over here and will provide real competition in a front row where we now have six props in the squad.”

The Warriors have also re-signed utility back Colin Gregor until 2011.

Gregor, who captained the Scotland 7s team at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai earlier this year, continued to impress for the national sevens side as they reached two consecutive Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history in London and Edinburgh.

Lineen feels that Gregor’s qualities as a top-flight sevens player are extremely useful to the Warriors.

“Budgie [Gregor’s nickname] is well known in sevens circles and he wants to become just as well known in XVs.

“I don’t see it as a negative that he can play a number of positions, he’s a multi-skilled player and he’s become a really important player to Glasgow.”

Now that the squad for next season is complete, Lineen added: “I’m really excited with the quality and depth of our squad.

“There is competition in every position and if we improve each player, we’ll improve as a squad and that’s how this team will move forward.

“We were disappointed to finish last season the way we did so it’s all about learning and getting better and that includes the coaches. Right now, I just can’t wait for next season to start.”

Glasgow Warriors squad for the 2009/10 Magners League and Heineken Cup season

Forwards: John Barclay, Tim Barker, Johnnie Beattie, Kelly Brown, James Eddie, Calum Forrester, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall, Ed Kalman, Alastair Kellock, Moray Low, Pat McArthur, Hamish Mitchell, Fergus Thomson, Kevin Tkachuk, Dan Turner, Justin Va’a, Richie Vernon, Jon Welsh

Backs: Chris Cusiter, Rob Dewey, Max Evans, Thom Evans, Colin Gregor, Peter Horne, Ruaridh Jackson, Chris Kinloch, Mark McMillan, Graeme Morrison, Peter Murchie, Hefin O’Hare, Dan Parks, Bernardo Stortoni, DTH van der Merwe

Former Edinburgh winger Dave McCall will swell the squad to 35 as he joins the squad on a training contract from Scottish Hydro Electric Cup winners Heriot’s.

ALL THE BIG NAMES HAVE SIGNED… NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
The players have all signed for The Biggest Team in Glasgow and now it’s your turn.

The 2009/10 Glasgow Warriors season ticket has more benefits than ever before. On top of a match-by-match saving of over £100 (based on an adult season ticket), the new deal includes free entry for you and a friend for the pre-season friendly against London Wasps, entry into the ticket ballot for RBS 6 Nations tickets, free admission to the away 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh in addition to two further Edinburgh fixtures at Murrayfield plus free entry into a Partick Thistle league game.

Season ticket holders aged 12 and under will also be entered into the exclusive prize draw to run out with the Warriors as the official mascot at a Glasgow home game.

Season ticket prices remain at just £30 for under 18s with concessions and students enjoying all the action for only £80. Adult season tickets are priced at £160.

Call the ticket hotline on 0844 800 3490 or log onto www.glasgowwarriors.org to add your name to the list of signings for The Biggest Team in Glasgow.