Glasgow Warriors have pulled off a major coup by landing USA international Sevens star Carlin Isles until at least May 2015, subject to a visa and medical.
The 24-year-old Isles has been dubbed the fastest rugby player in the world after swapping athletics for rugby in 2012.
His fastest 100 metre time of 10.13 seconds would have qualified for the semi-finals at the London 2012 Olympics and he was ranked as one of the fastest sprinters in the United States.
Born in Ohio, Isles started his rugby career at Gentlemen of Aspen RFC in Colorado, before going on to play for the USA national development team at the Victoria 7s in July 2012.
In October of the same year he made his debut for the USA national Sevens team, at the Gold Coast 7s and scored a try in his first minute on the pitch.
Isles immediately became a key player for the USA Eagles and has been a regular in the team ever since. Utilising his electrifying pace and ability he has scored a number of breathtaking tries for his country.
He has scored 27 tries in 14 sevens tournaments for the USA national team in the IRB Sevens World Series and also featured for his country at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia last year.
Before signing for the Warriors, Isles committed his future to rugby union earlier this month, following a short practice contract with the Detroit Lions NFL team.
He is due to fly into Glasgow within the next couple of weeks to join up with Gregor Townsend’s squad at Scotstoun. He said: “I can’t wait to fly over to Glasgow and join up with my new teammates.
“Everything has happened so quickly for me over the last couple of years and I’m just happy to be playing rugby and getting the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“I hope to score tries for the Warriors, but I also want to continue to try and help grow the game and encourage young players to take up rugby.
“It’s very exciting to be moving to the 15-a-side game. It’s a lot different to Sevens but I want to work hard and do everything I can to succeed.
“I’m up for the challenge, I’ve been doing a lot of challenges in my life so this is just another obstacle and I’m ready to take it on.
“I’ve been in contact with Gregor (Townsend) a few times and knowing he really wants me and sees something in me means a lot and was a big factor in deciding to join the club.
“It would be nice to stay in Glasgow for a long time, but all my focus is on the next few months and the challenge ahead.”
