2016-06-29Staff Report 2 Windhoek Namibia’s senior rugby team the Welwitschias’ utility lock Tjiuee Uanivi has signed a one-year deal with Scottish giants Glasgow Warriors, which sees him parting ways with South African outfit Southern Kings, where he had a short loan spell. Uanivi’s move was yesterday widely reported in the Scottish media, with a few media outlets revealing that the 25-year old’s deal would run until May 2017, and he is officially expected to arrive in Glasgow early next month. The versatile Namibian, who boasts an exceptional 14 international caps for his country, joined the Southern Kings on a short-term loan from the Sharks. Prior to the Sharks move, Uanivi had also played for French Top 14 club Brive. Speaking to Scottish daily newspaper The Belfast Telegraph, Uanivi had this to say: “I’m very pleased to have this chance to play with Glasgow Warriors – I can’t wait to get started. I’d like to thank the Sharks, and Gary Gold (coach) in particular, for allowing me the chance to pursue this exciting opportunity and I wish them well in Super Rugby.” Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend was also quoted welcoming the Namibian: “We believe he’ll fit in well in our environment and challenge for a starting place in our forward pack. He has excellent athleticism and his strengths suit the high-tempo rugby we aspire to play, but he will have to work hard every day to win a starting place against the other second-rows at the club.” “We now have a really good balance within our second-row group for next season and it will be exciting to see them build partnerships and continue to improve,” said an equally excited Townsend. - Additional info: The Belfast Telegraph 2016-06-29Staff Report 2
