Glasgow Warriors sign TJ Ioane on loan

Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the signing of Samoa international TJ Ioane on a loan deal for the 2020/21 season.

The 31-year-old made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Wellington in 2009 and switched to Otago two years later. He went on to make his debut in Super Rugby for Highlanders in 2013 making 18 appearances for them.

Ioane went on to make his Premiership debut for Sale Sharks in 2015 and three years later joined London Irish. He has played 47 Premiership games for the two clubs combined and now will feature for the Scotstoun Stadium based club.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Glasgow Warriors and I’m really looking forward to working with this good group of boys," he told the official website of the club.

“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.”

The 6ft back-row made his international debut for Samoa in 2014 and has gone on to play 25 Tests. He also represented them in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns.

“TJ is a great addition to our squad," said head coach Danny Wilson.

“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.”

Glasgow are set to face Scarlets in the second round of Pro14 at Scotstoun Stadium on Sunday.