Glasgow’s Carlin Isles to debut against Hawick

THE man tagged “the fastest rugby player in the world” will make his debut in Scotland at Hawick on Saturday in the colours of Ayr.

By The Newsroom Tuesday, 25th March 2014, 11:47 pm

Glasgow Warriors new signing Carlin Isles. Picture: TSPL

Carlin Isles has impressed Glasgow Warriors coach Gregor Townsend since arriving in Scotland earlier this month.

And after turning his attention from athletics – his (wind-assisted) best for 100 metres is 10.13 seconds, legal best 10.24 – to sevens and now XVs, as he bids to win a place in the US World Cup squad, the 5ft 8in former American footballer’s next hurdle comes at Mansfield Park.

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He was initially drafted to Stirling County, but with their matches now finished County agreed that Ayr could take him for their final match at Hawick if both clubs agreed.

Peter Laverie, the Ayr coach, said: “Hawick were happy with that. The game is not crucial to league positions now and we have injuries in our back division and our reserve team have a league match this weekend too.

“We will wait and see whether Robbie Fergusson is fit to play before we make a decision on whether Carlin starts or not, but he’s a nice lad and we’ll be happy to give him his introduction to Scottish rugby.”

Meanwhile, London Irish have confirmed the signing of Edinburgh prop Geoff Cross with head coach Brian Smith stating: “It is great to have a player of Geoff’s talent and experience joining our squad next season.

“He is a genuine international tighthead who has performed exceptionally well in the recent Six Nations Championship. We will have plenty of competition in the front row next season that will only benefit the squad.”

Gonzalo Tiesi and Matt Thompson have signed new deals with Newcastle Falcons.