Former All Black Macdonald is latest recruit for Glasgow Published on Wednesday 21 March 2012 00:54 GLASGOW Warriors have announced the signing of Angus Macdonald, a back-row forward who has won two caps for New Zealand. The 31-year-old, normally a blindside flanker but comfortable in any of the loose forward roles, will arrive in Scotland this summer having signed a two-year contract, subject to a visa. He has been based in Japan for the past four years, where he has played a key role in the development of Toyota Verblitz and, latterly, Coca Cola West Red Sparks. Macdonald was previously captain of the Blues and helped them to the Super 14 title in 2003. He earned a reputation as one of the most consistently impressive performers in Super Rugby. One of the Aucklander's two games for the All Blacks came in a 29-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield in 2005, on the Graham Henry-led tour of the northern hemisphere. His call-up came after he starred for New Zealand Maori in their win over the visiting British and Irish Lions. Macdonald's father, Hamish, played 12 times at second row for the All Blacks in the 1980s and his uncle, Doug Bruce, appeared 14 times at stand-off in the 1980s. Macdonald said: "I'm really happy to have signed for Glasgow Warriors and I'm excited by the opportunity of playing for a club where there's a concerted effort to achieve success. Since this move became a possibility, I've been keeping a close eye on how the team have been performing in the RaboDirect PRO12, and it's clear they've got a tremendous spirit and sense of purpose in what they do. They've got every chance of making the play-offs and they've recruited and retained a good number of players, so it's a positive environment to be coming into. The aim will be to use everything I've learned in the southern hemisphere to bring my own influence to the table. My overriding feeling right now is one of real anticipation. It's a great new challenge for me, and one I can't wait to get stuck into. Sean Lineen, who steps down as head coach at the end of the season to lead the Scottish Rugby Union's player recruitment efforts, played a big part in recruiting the player. He said "Angus is a big, tough rawbone Kiwi whom I'm convinced the supporters and other players will love. He meets all the criteria - he's hard working, uncompromising, honest and can play a bit as well. We've been talking to him for a while, and it's clear he's the right sort of player for this club, and the right sort of person too. He's desperate to come here, which is exactly the attitude you want to see from a prospective signing. Macdonald joins Tonga No 8 Viliami Ma'afu, Newcastle lock Tim Swinson and Scotland winger Sean Lamont in signing up for next season. Managing director Nathan Bombrys commented: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow Warriors. Angus is a quality player and we're confident he will make a significant contribution to the club over the coming years. He gives us ball carrying and experience and he's making the move for the right reasons - his signing is an important one in the make-up of the squad that we are building for next season, and we're delighted to be announcing it as we begin the final phase of our efforts to reach the RaboDirect PRO12 play-offs. Macdonald is the fourth major Glasgow addition for the coming campaign to be announced so far. Tonga World Cup star Ma'afu and reigning Newcastle Falcons player of the season Swinson have been recruited for the pack, while Sean Lamont is set to return to the club where he first made his name in the game. The Warriors have also re-signed 15 leading players in recent months. Several "imports" arrive at Edinburgh and Glasgow next season. How many of them are Scottish-qualified? Angus Macdonald (Glasgow) A good Scottish name, but the flanker has already represented New Zealand. Viliami Ma'afu (Glasgow) An unlikely ex-pat. Played No 8 for Tonga at last year's Rugby World Cup. Tim Swinson (Glasgow) Newcastle second row has a Scottish grandmother. WP Nel (Edinburgh) The prop from Free State Cheetahs is not eligible for Scotland but has a three-year contract so could become eligible on residency. Greig Tonks (Edinburgh) Northampton utility back was born in South Africa and has played for England at under-16 and under-18 level. But he is not tied to England - and his mother is from Ayrshire. Sean Lamont (Glasgow) Not quite so complicated. Has 65 caps for Scotland.