Glasgow Warriors centre Byron McGuigan says the club’s sense of ambition was key to his decision to sign a two-year contract with the club.

A star of Scotland’s Sevens World Series team, the 22-year-old will remain with the Scotstoun-based side until May 2014.

Despite growing up in Cape Town, McGuigan qualifies to play for Scotland through his Glaswegian mother.

And speaking to Warriors’ official website, he says the team’s plans for the future and the passion of the crowd made it an easy decision to put pen to paper.

He said: "I'm proud and honoured to be joining a club like Glasgow Warriors who are on the way up and have ambitious plans for the future.

"The calibre of player in the squad is strong, there are lots of quality individuals signing and re-signing and the move to the great facilities at Scotstoun Stadium is going to help the club put down roots.

"I can't wait to sample the passion the rugby public in west of Scotland have for the game when the Glasgow 7s takes place in three weeks' time, and I'm really looking forward to running out there in the Warriors black and blue when next season rolls around."

McGuigan is the club’s fifth signing ahead of next season, having already captured Angus MacDonald, Villiami Ma'afu,Tim Swinson and Sean Lamont.

And outgoing Warriors head coach Sean Lineen expressed his delight at the player's arrival.

He added: "Byron is a player with real potential.

"We've kept a keen eye on him during his involvement with the Scotland 7s team, and we're convinced he has the right attributes to be an asset for Glasgow Warriors.

"He's strong, he's creative and he's got a great step and work ethic.

"He's primarily an outside centre, but he's capable of contributing strongly in any of the back three positions as well.

"We've been impressed with how keen he is to come here and prove himself in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup."

Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: "We're really pleased to have Byron on board.

"He's an exciting player and someone who will help us to build upon the positive momentum of the current season.

"But right now the club is focused on achieving the RaboDirect PRO12 play-offs semi-finals, with important games coming up away to Benetton Treviso on Sunday and at home to Connacht on Saturday, May 5."