Glasgow Warriors sign Currie Cup-winning prop Leon Lyons on short-term deal

Glasgow Warriors have signed South African loosehead prop Leon Lyons on a short-term deal, with the 122kg front-rower joining the Scottish club immediately, subject to visa clearance.

The 27-year-old arrives at Scotstoun directly from Griquas, having started their 23-16 Currie Cup final victory over the Pumas to help the Kimberley side claim the title. Lyons made 26 appearances for Griquas this season and has previously represented Western Province and the Stormers. His form also earned him a place in the Lions squad for the 2025/26 season, and he featured for the Johannesburg side against Newcastle Red Bulls last December.

Lyons will remain with Glasgow until the start of the Six Nations in February, providing head coach Franco Smith with front-row cover while Scotland props Nathan McBeth and Rory Sutherland are on international duty. He has already arrived in Glasgow ahead of linking up with the squad.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to make the move from the Griquas to Glasgow Warriors,” Lyons said. “This is a special next step in my career, and I’m looking forward to embracing the challenge, learning from the environment, and contributing to the team in every way I can. I’m ready to bring my physicality, adaptability, and work ethic to the group.”

Smith was equally enthusiastic about the addition, highlighting Lyons’ potential influence on the club’s developing young props. “With both Nathan McBeth and Rory Sutherland currently in the Scotland setup, we are pleased to be able to add a player and a person of Leon’s calibre to our playing group to provide us with further depth in the front row,” the coach said.

“He will also provide a strong role model for our young front-rowers such as Jake Shearer and Ollie McKenna, giving them an additional experienced professional from which to learn as they continue to develop.”