GLASGOW Warriors cult hero Brian Alainu’uese has signed a new two-year deal with the club after putting in some impressive performances in his first season in Scottish rugby.

The 23-year-old New Zealander arrived at Scotstoun in October on a short-term deal that was due to expire at the end of this season. He has quickly become a favourite with the fans, who chant his name whenever he is on the ball - something he admitted came as a surprise at first.

“I have to pinch myself when the supporters chant my name,” the lock forward said. “I’ve never had that before and that gets me going and keeps me playing hard for the team and the fans.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Glasgow. I’ve extended my contract for two years and I’m excited for what lies ahead. There is a lot of competition within the squad and I’ve learnt a lot from the other second rows at the club.”

Having previously played for Waikato and made a couple of appearances for the Chiefs in his native New Zealand, Alainu’uese is already well known to Dave Rennie, the incoming coach. Rennie, who will take over from Gregor Townsend at the end of this season, has been in charge of the Chiefs for the past five years. “It’ll be good to work with Dave Rennie again next season, but at the moment I’m just focusing on Gregor and Dan [McFarland, the forwards coach] and doing what they want me to do,” the player added.

Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand will be announced this summer, with Stuart Hogg being the most likely Warriors player to be named in the party by head coach Warren Gatland. The Warriors full-back could be joined by winger Tommy Seymour or former team-mate Sean Maitland, but hopes are not high for other Glasgow players who had been seen as contenders before this year’s Six Nations Championship.

In addition to full-back Hogg and one of the two wingers, Seymour or Maitland, Edinburgh forward Hamish Watson has come into consideration. Centre Duncan Taylor, who played for Saracens against Glasgow at the start of this month, is the other Scotland international thought to have an outside chance.