THEY already have the best squad, as well as one of the biggest, in the PRO12 ...

now Glasgow Warriors are set to make several new recruits as they prepare for the defence of their title.

Last month Gregor Townsend's side signed explosive winger Taqele Naiyaravoro from the Waratahs in Australia.

But, with several players having retired or moved on, and 22 in the Scotland squad for the Rugby World Cup, the head coach has decided that he needs more reinforcements.

The new signings, due to be announced next week, are more likely to be seen as squad players, not automatic first-team regulars.

But Townsend will tell them that they can play their way into his plans when others are absent during the World Cup, and will point to the example set by stand-off Finn Russell during the early months of last year.

"We are still to announce a few signings, but from a recruitment point of view, we're pretty much sorted," Townsend said.

"There are a couple still to be announced, but we are very comfortable with the squad we have and delighted with what we have been able to put together.

"Who knows? If injuries happen, or all 22 of the Scotland players get called up for the World Cup final squad, then there might be some contingencies we need to look at, but we're delighted with the group.

"With players being away, it's an opportunity for someone else. Finn got his chance during the Six Nations last year and then played in the [PRO12] semi-final and the final. We're now looking for the next player who will get his opportunity during the World Cup to say 'I've got to be picked for the whole season'.

"Our whole recruitment is based on getting a quality team to play the biggest games, but also enough players to get through that period. I think our squad's going to be 55-strong, which is 11 more than last year.

"But during the World Cup it will be down to 32, 33, so we know there are potential risks there. If we do pick up injuries we might have to look at club players coming in to cover that, but 32, 33 should be fine over that period."

The Warriors were in George Square on Thursday night to celebrate their PRO12 triumph with their fans, but their thoughts have already turned to next season.

Having had a 10-day break after that victory over Munster in Belfast, they have now begun pre-season training - although, as Townsend explained, they can expect another break before matches begin.

"We'll have time off in July. It worked really well for us last year - the guys came back fitter and stronger being given their holiday later.

"Normally you would give four or five weeks straight off and then train all the way through. We've had ten days to recover, but then three-and-a-half weeks.

"It worked really well last year. We found last year they came in, they didn't get much of a holiday but they were keen to train, they saw their body shapes changing for the better - and then when they got the holiday they didn't want to lose that, so they kept topping it up.

"And when we fitness-tested two or three players at the end of the first block, they went for the holiday, they came back, and then they were getting better results.

"We'll see if any other team does it after us. But we certainly think it works."