GREGOR TOWNSEND has hailed two 'great additions' after the Glasgow Warriors head coach snapped up more new recruits.

Despite the current campaign entering its crucial final stage, it has not stopped the Scotstoun side planning for the future with the additions of Sam Johnson and Greg Peterson on two-year deals.

The pair will arrive at Warriors in the summer, subject to medicals and visa clearance, where they will join fellow-newbies Simone Favaro, Kieran Low, Grayson Hart and Mike Blair.

Australian centre Johnson currently plays for the Queensland Reds, while USA lock Paterson will head north from Aviva Premiership cracks Leicester Tigers.

Townsend said: "Both Sam and Greg will be great additions to our squad next season and we're looking forward to them joining us. Sam has played very well since his return from rugby league, producing some eye-catching games in the NRC and at club level.

"He has been a regular for the Reds' back-up side this season and his impressive performances have seen him break into the first team. He is a strong running ball carrier that can cover both centre positions and we believe he will continue to improve within our environment."

He added: "Greg has picked up some great experience already in his rugby career and played well for the USA in the November Tests. He is determined to make the most of his opportunity with us.

"He has a real physical presence and hits hard in the tackle. He will give us something different and add to the competition for places in the second row."

Johnson impressed the Reds coaching staff in 2014 as a regular in the midfield for Reds 'A' and GPS, which led to him making his Queensland Reds debut off the bench against the Western Force in Perth. He then went on to play five matches for Queensland Country in Australia's National Rugby Championship.

To date he has made two Super Rugby appearances for the Reds and has been named on the bench a further three times.

He said: "Glasgow play free-flowing rugby and I really like the way they attack, which is a bit different to typical European teams and defensively their structure is second to none.

"I've been watching the European Rugby Champions Cup this season and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to test myself at that level against some of the best teams in the world.

"Hopefully I can make a contribution at the Warriors and learn as much as I can over the next couple of years."

The 24-year-old Peterson joined the Tigers in December from Super Rugby outfit NSW Waratahs and has since gone on to play for them three times.

The towering forward, who stands at 6ft 8in and weighs more than 19 stone, represented Australia U20s on eight occasions.

He said: "I worked alongside some very good second rowers at the Waratahs such as Dean Mumm and Kane Douglas, who have excelled when they've moved to the northern hemisphere.

"Gregor (Townsend) has given me the opportunity to join Glasgow and I believe I can help the team progress further.

"Talking to Gregor about the values of the team and the way the team plays almost feels like a perfect fit, so when I get up there I'll grab the opportunity with both hands and show the supporters the kind of player I am."