Glasgow Warriors have pulled off a “major coup” by signing the man dubbed the fastest rugby player in the world.
USA international sevens star Carlin Isles has agreed a contract at Scotstoun through to May 2015, subject to a visa and medical.
Isles, 24, swapped 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 quickest sprinters in the United States.
Isles 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.
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“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.”
Townsend added: “This is a major coup for the club and a very exciting prospect. Carlin is an exceptionally gifted athlete, who has had a huge impact on the sevens circuit over the last couple of years.
“He is really eager to learn and develop as a winger in the 15-a-side game. With his lightning pace and evasion skills, he already has an excellent base to challenge for a starting place until the end of the season.
“I can’t wait to get him over here to learn the 15s game, but there may also be an opportunity for him to play at the Melrose 7s in April, after we were invited to play in the tournament for the first time.
“We have a few injuries in our backline, with DTH van der Merwe out for the rest of the season and Sean Maitland currently on the sidelines, so it’s great that we’re able to strengthen our squad at this time and I’m sure he’ll fit in really well at Scotstoun.”
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, and immediately became a key player for the USA Eagles.
Utilising his electrifying pace and ability 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.
Isles has played at Scotstoun Stadium before, having represented the USA Eagles at the Glasgow 7s last May.
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 Townsend’s squad at Scotstoun.