Glasgow Warriors have bolstered their second-row stocks ahead of the start of the 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship season, after USA international Greg Peterson agreed to return to Scotstoun on a short-term contract.
The move comes following the news that JP du Preez will be sidelined for the rest of the season following surgery on a knee injury sustained in training, and with the returns of Riche Gray and Scott Cummings to be managed following Scotland’s exit from the Rugby World Cup.
Peterson will provide cover for young second-rowers Alex Samuel and Max Williamson, allowing the pair – alongside academy prospects Ruaraidh Hart and Ryan Burke – to continue their development in the boiler room.
Initially brought to Scotstoun ahead of the 2015/16 season, the 32-year-old made 32 appearances across all competitions during his three and a half years with the club.
Standing at 6’8”, the Sydney-born second-rower has also represented Bordeaux and Leicester Tigers during his career and joins as a free agent following four seasons and 75 appearances with Newcastle Falcons.
Peterson represented the USA at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups and has earned 39 caps to date for the Eagles.
“The opportunity to come back to Glasgow was an easy one,” said Peterson.
“Tess [wife] and I made a lot of lifelong friends during our first spell here and it’s a place and a club that hold a lot of fond memories for us, so the decision was pretty straightforward when I got asked to come back for the next couple of months.
“It all came about pretty quickly really! I’m thankful that it all got sorted out pretty quickly – the biggest obstacle was the multiple time zones we were dealing with! I was back in Australia and then over in Salt Lake City with the USA squad, but we got it over the line.
“I definitely feel like I’ve developed as a player and a person since I was last here. I’ve had two kids since then, so I’ve learnt a lot of patience for sure! I’ve learnt a huge amount from both the Top14 and Premiership, too, and matured as a second-rower, so hopefully I can come back, help the young boys we’ve got here and help us start the season off strongly.
“I’m so excited to hear Scotstoun bouncing again – the place will be packed out for Family Day, which is one I’m already looking forward to, and Leinster is always a massive game. I can’t wait.”
Head Coach Franco Smith added: “With JP starting his rehabilitation and Scott and Richie’s return to be managed after a tough training camp and Rugby World Cup for Scotland, we’re happy to be able to add someone of Greg’s experience and quality to strengthen our squad for the start of the season.
“We’ve been really pleased with how Max and Alex, and Ruaraidh Hart, have shown up in our pre-season games, as developing our young talents is key not only for us, but for Scottish rugby overall.
“We want to make sure that they are given their chances when they are ready as our depth of squad will be important, so adding Greg gives us an additional option in the second-row and we’re pleased to welcome him into our group at Scotstoun.”
Sugar Man
Manufacturing rugby balls caused a very unusual and tragic death – In rugby’s early days, Richard Lindon’s leather shop was in high demand for balls. He enlisted the help of his wife Rebecca, but she tragically passed away due to the germs she ingested from the bladders while blowing them up. Lindon searched for an alternative to pig’s bladders from that point onward.
Digital Moonshine
Sport Trivia: Who beat South Africa twice in the 1992 Cricket World Cup? Answer: England. South Africa played against England in the group stage on 12 March 1992 in Melbourne, and England won by 3 wickets. They then faced each other again in the semi-finals on the 22 March in Sydney, and England won by 19 runs.