GLASGOW Warriors have signed back row Ruaridh Mackenzie until the end of the season from BT Premiership club Ayr.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Scotland but moved to New Zealand at the age of three months, scored a try against Glasgow Hawks after making his Ayr debut off the bench on Saturday.
The youngster's grandfather Gregor won a senior Scotland cap against Australia in 1984 and Mackenzie underlined his excitement at starting a career in the country of his birth.
He said to glasgowwarriors.org: "I'm delighted to have joined Glasgow Warriors and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to prove myself. I'm excited about what’s to come.
“I have strong roots in Scotland, having been born here and all my family are Scottish.
“It's great to come back to play my rugby in Scotland."
Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s a great opportunity for Ruaridh to immerse himself in our culture and style of play.
“He has already made a positive impression in training and on his debut for Ayr at the weekend.
“Spending time with both clubs will really benefit Ruaridh and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue his development.”
Ayr President Billy McHarg added: “We see Ruaridh as a useful addition to our squad in our quest to win the BT Premiership this season.
“Hopefully he will follow in the footsteps of previous Ayr players such as Ali Price, Finn Russell and Mark Bennett and gain a full-time contract with the Warriors.”
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