Macdonald signs for Glasgow

The Aucklander, primarily a blindside flanker but comfortable in any of the loose forward roles, excelled for his native province in what is now known as the ITM Cup before earning a reputation as one of the most consistently impressive performers in Super Rugby with the Blues.
He won two All Black caps on the Graham Henry-led tour of the northern hemisphere in 2005, one of these appearances coming against Scotland at Murrayfield that November. The call-up came after he starred for New Zealand Maori in their win over the visiting British and Irish Lions.
The previous year he had been promoted to captain of the Blues, having helped them win the Super 14 title in 2003.
Since 2008, he has been based in Japan, where he has played a key role in the development of Toyota Verblitz and latterly Coca Cola West Red Sparks.
Macdonald, who turned 31 in January, will arrive in Scotland this summer, primed to deliver his all-action brand of breakaway play on the fields of the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect PRO12.
He has signed a two-year contract, committing him to the Warriors until at least the end of May 2014, subject to the appropriate visa being obtained.
Macdonald is the fourth major Glasgow addition for the coming campaign to be announced so far. Tonga World Cup star Viliami Ma'afu (No.8) and Newcastle Falcons Player of the Season Tim Swinson (lock) have been recruited for the pack, while Sean Lamont is set to return to the club where he first made his name in the game. The Warriors have also re-signed 15 leading players in recent months.

Head coach Sean Lineen said Macdonald "absolutely fits the bill for a Glasgow player," explaining: "Angus is a big, tough rawbone Kiwi who I'm convinced the supporters and other players will love. He meets all the criteria: he's hard working, uncompromising, honest and can play a bit as well.
"We've been talking to him for a while, and it's clear he's the right sort of player for this club, and the right sort of person too. He's desperate to come here, which is exactly the attitude you want to see from a prospective signing."
Macdonald hails from a family of All Blacks. His father, Hamish, won 12 caps at lock in the 1970s, while his uncle, Doug Bruce, appeared 14 times at stand-off in the subsequent decade.

Managing director Nathan Bombrys commented: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow Warriors. Angus is a quality player, an All Black, and we're confident he will make a significant contribution to the club over the coming years."