Glasgow Warriors sign Highlanders prop Aki Seiuli on two-year deal

Glasgow Warriors have announced the signing of Highlanders prop Aki Seiuli on a two-year deal ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Seiuli started his professional rugby career with Otago in 2012 during the ITM Cup and made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 for Highlanders. He was also part of the Highlanders side that reached semi-finals during the 2016 season and also the side that went on to beat the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

“I'm really looking forward to moving to Glasgow," he told the official website of the Warriors.

"It's going to be a new challenge for me and I'm excited about the opportunity to play in Europe.

"The coaching team's reputation speaks for itself - Dave is highly regarded and I can't wait to work with him. I also know Siua from our time at the Highlanders, so I’m sure he’ll help me settle in.

"Glasgow Warriors have a very strong squad and made it to the Guinness PRO14 Final last season, so I know I'll have to get my head down and work hard to compete for my place in the team.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie is delighted in securing the services of Seiuli ahead of the new season.

“Aki is a hell of an athlete. We identified him as someone with that point of difference around his ball carrying and physicality.

"He's a good man and someone who we believe will fit in really well into our environment.

"He knows he'll need to come over and work hard, because we're going to have a lot of competition in that loose-head spot this season."

Seiuli will head to Scotstoun Stadium at the end of his commitments with Otago in the 2019 ITM Cup.