Ioane makes Scotstoun loan switch

Glasgow Warriors have further strengthened their back-row depth for the 2020/21 campaign, after agreeing to a loan deal for flanker TJ Ioane.

The
hard-hitting Samoan international has linked up with his new squad-mates, after
putting pen to paper on a deal that will see him move from English Premiership
club London Irish.

A proven
performer at the highest level, Ioane made his breakthrough in New Zealand’s
ITM Cup with Otago; his try in a 26-19 win over Waikato in 2013 helped his side
claim a first Ranfurly Shield since 1957, one of Ioane’s 37 appearances for the
region.

The back-rower’s
form saw him included in the Highlanders squad for the 2013 and 2014 Super
Rugby campaigns, running out for the Dunedin franchise on 18 occasions before
joining Sale Sharks in 2015.

Having made
his international debut in a 23-13 victory over Canada in 2014, Ioane has
become a key member of the Pacific Islanders’ setup.

The
31-year-old was selected in Samoa’s squad for both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby
World Cups, playing against Scotland in Kobe in the latter tournament.

Speaking to
glasgowwarriors.org, Ioane said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join
Glasgow Warriors and I’m really looking forward to working with this good group
of boys.

“Glasgow are
an ambitious club, and everyone is very driven here.

“I’m excited
to get the chance to play some footy for a club like Glasgow and I just want to
help the team get the results I know we can achieve.”

On the announcement
of Ioane’s loan deal, Glasgow Warriors head coach, Danny Wilson said: “TJ is a
great addition to our squad.

“He is a
physical ball carrier who brings a huge amount of experience from his time in
the Premiership and on the international stage.

“He can play
across the back-row and will be a real asset to us as we look to overcome the
recent disruption to our backrow stock and the upcoming international windows.”