Talakai extends stay with Glasgow Warriors

The tight-head prop has made 37 appearances for the club to date, having made his debut away to Ulster in the opening match of the 2024/25 season.

A seasoned campaigner in the front-row, Talakai joined Glasgow Warriors after ove r100 appearances in Super Rugby across spells at the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.

A product of Waverley College in Sydney – alma mater of Australian internationals including 1999 Rugby World Cup winner, Owen Finegan, and Morgan Turinui –, Talakai became a regular for Sydney University, making 72 first-grade appearances for the club.

Talakai can also count four years at Suntory Sungoliath on his playing CV to date, helping the Japanese outfit to three consecutive Grand Final appearances.

A popular figure amongst the Glasgow playing squad, the prop scored his first try for the club in Friday night’s 31-10 triumph over Benetton to help the Warriors maintain their place at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

“I’m very happy to be staying at Scotstoun,” Talakai told glasgowwarriors.org following the news.

“With the squad that we have and the young guys coming through, I’m excited to get to work with everyone and put our best foot forward. Everyone’s bought into the vision that Franco and the coaches have outlined and I just want to contribute as best as I can.

“I love coming into training with the guys every day. Everyone wants to get better day in, day out, and I’m absolutely loving my time in Glasgow.

“I think my kids are the happiest to be staying around, to be honest! They’re in primary school at the moment and they’ve made their wee connections in the community, so we’re happy to be settled and enjoy the cold for a little bit longer!

“We’ve got a huge opportunity to do something special this season and that starts with Saturday against the Bulls. We know they’ll be a big, physical challenge, but we know we just need to keep putting the best version of ourselves forward and see what comes off the back of that.”

Head Coach Smith added: “Sam is a true professional and is someone who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level as a Glasgow Warrior.

“He brings a great energy to both training and his performances on the field, and he is committed to playing his role for the squad.

“He is someone who has a great impact on our young forwards in particular and we are pleased to see him extend his contract at Scotstoun.”