Petrus du Plessis has penned a deal with Glasgow Warriors until the end of the season and will go straight into Dave Rennie’s squad to face Saracens in the Champions Cup this weekend.
Glasgow turned to the veteran prop after tighthead Zander Fagerson was told he required surgery on a broken ankle which will rule him out for six months, while Tongan Warrior Siua Halanukonuka remains out for around five weeks with a foot injury.
Rennie said the club had launched a ‘worldwide search’ to ease the clubs low stock in the position, and du Plessis revealed how quickly the deal had taken to get over the line.
“It all happened very quickly – within three days I’m here,” du Plessis said.
“It’s exciting that my first game could be against my former club Saracens – you couldn’t write the script if you tried.
“Glasgow play a really expansive and physical game, which is great, and I’ve only heard good things about the club from former players.”
Du Plessis played for Saracens for eight years, making 158 appearances in that time, leaving the two-time Champions Cup winners in 2017 to join London Irish.
Now on the move to Scotstoun, Rennie explained he was relieved to cast his full attention to the game knowing what du Plessis brings to the team.
“It’s great that we’ve been able to obtain someone of Petrus’ experience at such short notice,” said Warriors head coach Dave Rennie.
“He has played rugby at the highest level, is a good man and a really solid set-piece operator.