New Boy Paris is Taylor made for Warriors

Taylor Paris, the 19-year-old Canada wing, today put pen to paper on a one-year deal that will see him tied to the Scotstoun-based club until at least the end of May 2013.

Paris is the youngest ever player to win a full cap for the Canucks, 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 2011 Rugby World Cup.

For the past two years, Paris has been a mainstay of the Canada 7s set-up in the HSBC 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. Our picture shows him competing at this year's Hong Kong leg of the Series.

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.

The youngster told www.glasgowwarriors.org: "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."

Head 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.

"We're looking forward to supporting and challenging him to ensure he develops into the quality performer it's obvious he has all the raw ingredients to become."

Managing director Nathan Bombrys said: "We're always on the lookout for players with the ability and desire to strengthen Glasgow Warriors, and we're very confident that Taylor will be an exciting addition to our squad.

"The recognition he's earned in the international game underlines the potential we're buying into. We've every faith he will thrive in the environment of a major professional rugby club, and we believe he will make an exciting contribution this season."

Paris is the sixth signing for season 2012/13 to be announced by Glasgow Warriors. Also coming into the fold are former All Black flanker Angus Macdonald, Tonga's star Rugby World Cup No.8 Viliami Ma'afu, seasoned English Premiership lock Tim Swinson, returning fans' favourite Sean Lamont and Scotland 7s centre Byron McGuigan.

With the club moving to a great new home at Scotstoun Stadium, 2012/13 Season Ticket Memberships have been selling fast.

Season Ticket Members get all 14 regular season RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup matches for the price of 9, and are also guaranteed one of the best seats at Scotstoun for the entire campaign.

For full information on the benefits of being a Season Ticket Member, and to download our Season Ticket Membership brochure, supporters are invited to visit www.glasgowwarriors.org or call 0844 800 3490.

All fans who purchase a Season Ticket Membership by 5pm on Friday 15 June will be entered into a draw to win a VIP trip as Passenger 24 at our Heineken Cup Pool 4 match away to Castres.