Vailanu named as Warrior of the Month for November

Sione Vailanu has been named as the Warrior of the Month for November, after making an immediate impression on both team-mates and supporters since his arrival at Scotstoun.

With only one fixture having been played in November, Vailanu received the award – usually decided by a supporters’ vote – after being selected by Franco Smith and his coaching team, with his performance against Leinster and his work ethic and contributions around Scotstoun all factoring into the decision.

The Tongan was presented with his award during a visit to Scotstoun Primary School – the closest school to the home of the Warriors – that saw the back-rower inspire the next generation of Glasgow rugby stars with a Q&A and signing session with pupils.

Having joined Smith’s squad during the off-season, Vailanu has immediately endeared himself to the Warrior Nation since making his debut away to the Cell C Sharks back in October.

An unforgettable first outing at Scotstoun saw the 27-year-old cross for a brace in the 37-0 victory over Benetton, including a highlight-reel effort that saw him finish off a 60 metre break with an audacious dummy for his first try in Glasgow colours.

The back-rower has earned 12 caps for his native Tonga to date, and picks up the Warrior of the Month trophy for the first time in his Glasgow career.

“I’m really, really happy,” a beaming Vailanu told glasgowwarriors.org.

“I know that this is an award that means a lot to the boys at the club, so I was really pleased when I was told that I was receiving this month’s award.

“I’m really enjoying my time in Glasgow so far – I’m really starting to find my feet, and so far everything is going really well.

“We talk about taking everything step by step, and everyone at the club is really working hard for what is a big month coming up. We’ve got two big European games and then the two derbies with Edinburgh, and I can’t wait to give my all for this team.”