GLASGOW WARRIORS head coach Danny Wilson has further boosted his back-three options with the signing of former New Zealand Under-20s full-back Cole Forbes on a ‘multi-year’ deal. The 21-year-old has been training at Scotstoun since the end of January and is expected to be part of the match-day squad for this Sunday's trip to Leinster. 

Forbes is the fourth outside-back to put pen to paper with the Scotstoun outfit in the space of a week, following in the footsteps of fellow New Zealander Josh McKay, who will arrive near the start of next season, Rufus McLean, who recently made his breakthrough into the first team during his first season on a senior professional contract, and Ollie Smith, who is graduating from the Warriors academy. 

Born in Pukekohe, Forbes first caught the eye when helping Bay of Plenty to the Jock Hobbs Memorial National U19 tournament in New Zealand, before going on to make his senior debut for the province in the Mitre10 Cup. He is Scottish-qualified through his grandfather, was part of the New Zealand squad for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.  

“I always wanted to go overseas with my rugby if the opportunity came up, and Glasgow were keen to bring me over and have a look at me,” he said. “All the boys have been great since I arrived. They’ve all really helped me out – coming in halfway through a season is always difficult but they’ve helped me fit in really well.” 

“The style of rugby is definitely different to back in New Zealand – there’s a lot more kicking up here so I’ve been making sure my game under the high ball is a big focus in training. 

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“It’s a really exciting time to join the club, and I can’t wait for my first opportunity to run out in a Glasgow shirt. I want to show what I can do and thank the Glasgow coaches for giving me the chance every time I represent this proud city.” 

Wilson added: “Cole has really impressed us since joining in January. He’s a back-three player with pace, good footwork and has shown a defensive physical presence already in training 

“He joins us with experience playing in the Mitre10 Cup and has previously represented New Zealand U20s. Cole has worked hard in training and shown a lot of promise. We look forward to seeing what he can do in the Warriors jersey.”