Canadian starlet joins Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have signed 19-year-old Canadian international wing Taylor Paris on a one-year deal.


Paris is the youngest ever player to win a full cap for Canada, having made his debut at 18.


In his second Test appearance, against Spain, the speedster underlined his ability with a brace of tries and was part of the Canada squad at the World Cup last year.


For the past two years, Paris has been a mainstay of the Canada Sevens set-up in the Sevens World Series. He is also the youngest player ever to represent the country in the abbreviated form of the game, having first taken the field aged just 17.


A recent foot injury prevented him from challenging for selection in the Canucks' summer Tests against USA, Georgia and Italy, but he has recovered to be named Canada Under-20 captain for the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy which takes place in Salt Lake City from June 18-30.


Paris, a native of Barrie in Ontario, is due to arrive in Glasgow after that tournament, and follows DTH van der Merwe, Kevin Tkachuk and Chauncey O'Toole as Canada internationals who have been part of the Warriors cause.


He commented: "I'm delighted and honoured to have the chance to join a major club like Glasgow Warriors and play my part in helping them achieve success.


"It's always been an ambition of mine to test myself in European professional rugby, and I can't wait to join up with the Warriors ahead of the new season.


"The club is well known in Canada with a number of our top players having been fortunate enough to represent the club, and I feel very privileged to be receiving the same opportunity," he added.


Warriors coach Gregor Townsend said: "Taylor Paris has all the raw materials to become an influential player for Glasgow Warriors, and I'm really pleased we’ve been able to secure his signature.


"All the coaches are really excited about his potential - the fact he's the youngest player ever to play international rugby for Canada at both 15s and 7s speaks volumes for his natural talent," he said.