New boy Swinson checks in at Scotstoun

The 25-year-old arrives in Scotland's number one city after earning his stripes in the front five battlegrounds of the English Premiership, where he established a reputation as one of the most consistent second rowers in the competition.

Swinson, voted Newcastle Falcons Player of the Season in 2011, has vowed to hit the ground running at the Warriors, as the club look to build on reaching the RaboDirect PRO12 semi-finals twice in the last three years.

He told www.glasgowwarriors.org: "I've really enjoyed my first fortnight at the Warriors. We're being worked hard by the coaches and strength and conditioning staff, but that's what you expect and need at this stage in the summer, and the guys are excited about the challenge of achieving more next season.

"As a new signing, the players and staff have been extremely welcoming, and I was delighted to have the chance to meet so many fans at Scotstoun last week. There's a lot of excitement out there about the new stadium, and rightly so, because it's right up there with anything you'll see in European rugby.

"I know there's lots of competition for places in the second row, but that's good for all of us and it's a case of believing in your own ability and consistently making the best possible case for selection.

"If the pace and standard of the first couple of weeks of pre-season is anything to go by, everyone is very keen to stake their claim. I'm no different - I'm excited about playing in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup and by the opportunity to help keep Glasgow Warriors moving forward."

Swinson qualifies to play for Scotland courtesy of a maternal grandmother from Glasgow. He confirmed: "Like any player, I have ambitions to play international rugby. First and foremost, though, it's about establishing myself with Glasgow Warriors and making sure we build on the progress made last season.

"If I can perform consistently well, I'll hopefully put myself in contention, but it all starts with what I do for Glasgow and that's all I'm focussing on for now."

Swinson is one of six summer signings confirmed by the Warriors. Also joining up are former All Blacks flanker Angus MacDonald, Tonga's star World Cup No.8 Viliami Ma'afu, returning fans' favourite Sean Lamont, Scotland 7s centre Byron McGuigan and Canada international Taylor Paris, the youngest player to be capped by the Canucks at both 15s and 7s.

Super value 2012/13 Season Ticket Membership packages have been flying off the shelves, but there are still some great seats available in both the Main and North stands at Scotstoun. We strongly advise supporters not to delay their purchase so they can secure one of the best spots for the entire campaign.

Season Ticket Members get all 14 home regular season RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup matches for the price of 9 - a saving of up to £145.

For full information on the benefits of being a 2012/13 Season Ticket Member and to download our Season Ticket Membership brochure, supporters are invited to visit www.glasgowwarriors.org