The signing of Josh Strauss is quite a coup for the Glasgow Warriors © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Viliami Ma'afu | Josh Strauss

Tournaments/Tours: RaboDirect PRO12

Teams: Glasgow | Lions | Scotland | South Africa

The Glasgow Warriors have completed the signing of South African No.8 Josh Strauss on a three-year deal.

The announcement is a massive coup for the RaboDirect PRO12 side with Strauss regarded as one of the standout No.8s in Super Rugby. With the Kings taking the Lions' place in next year's Super Rugby competition, it is expected that some of the Lions' best players will look for pastures new rather than just focusing on the Currie Cup.

Strauss captained them to 2011 Currie Cup glory and he also scooped the Player of the Tournament that year. Strauss will arrive at Scotstoun in the next fortnight and he is relishing the chance to run out for the Warriors.

"I'm really excited to have signed for Glasgow Warriors, and can't wait to get on that plane and hit the ground running with my new club and team-mates," Strauss said. "I've had a number of really positive conversations with [head coach] Gregor Townsend, where he's explained how ambitious the club are to move forward on and off the field.

"There are a lot of top players in the squad, especially in the back row, and I know I will have to fight hard to prove my worth and earn selection. I'm massively looking forward to arriving in Glasgow, seeing the facilities at Scotstoun Stadium for myself, and playing my part in helping the club achieve a successful season."

Warriors boss Gregor Townsend was delighted with his new capture. "Josh is an outstanding player and person who will be a fantastic asset for our team and club," Townsend said. "He's a signing who will excite both the rest of the squad and our supporters, who doubtless will have enjoyed watching him lead from the front with the Lions in Super Rugby.

"Technically, he has all the elements you'd want to see in a No.8. Ryan Wilson has been in excellent form these past 12 months, and having that level of competition is great for all concerned. Josh is here first and foremost to make an outstanding contribution on the field, but we also see him as someone who will be a very positive and inspirational influence for our young back-row players as they make strides in the game. On behalf of everyone at Glasgow Warriors, I'd like to formally welcome Josh to the club."

In related news, the Warriors have announced that No.8 Vilami Ma'afu has left the club with immediate effect due to "family and personal reasons".