Glasgow have signed United States sevens star Carlin Isles, dubbed rugby union’s “fastest man”, subject to visa and a medical, the Scottish club announced Thursday.
A former track athlete before taking up rugby, the 24-year-old Isles’ best 100 metres time of 10.13 seconds would have seen him qualify for the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics.
Isles had a brief practice contract with the Detroit Lions American football team but earlier this month committed himself to rugby union and learning the differing skills of the full 15-man game as opposed to the abbreviated format in which he made his reputation.
“I can’t wait to fly over to Glasgow and join up with my new team-mates,” Carlin said in a club statement.
“Everything has happened so quickly for me over the last couple of years and I’m just happy to be playing rugby and getting the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“I hope to score tries for the Warriors, but I also want to continue to try and help grow the game and encourage young players to take up rugby.
“It’s very exciting to be moving to the 15-a-side game. It’s a lot different to sevens but I want to work hard and do everything I can to succeed.
“I’m up for the challenge, I’ve been doing a lot of challenges in my life so this is just another obstacle and I’m ready to take it on.”
Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend, the former Scotland back, was in no doubt Isles would adjust to the demands vof full format rugby.
“Carlin is an exceptionally gifted athlete, who has picked up the game of rugby in a very short period of time and has had a huge impact on the sevens circuit over the last couple of years,” Townsend said.
“He is really eager to learn and develop as a winger in the fifteen-a-side game. With his lightning pace and evasion skills, he already has an excellent base to challenge for a starting place until the end of the season.”