'Massive opportunity': Glasgow Warriors new boy promises work ethic and attacking intent

Kuenzle, 27, has signed a two-year contract subject to visa and will link up with his new team-mates in the summer.

A versatile back, he has played the bulk of his rugby with Force on the wing and at centre but he has also featured at full-back and stand-off, most notably earlier in his career with the Brumbies.

He was called into the senior Australia squad ahead of the 2024 summer Tests, having previously represented Australia A in a two-match series against Japan XV in October 2022 in addition to his previous selections for Australia U20. However, he is yet to win a full cap.

Played against the Lions in tour opener

He did play for Force against the British & Irish Lions in Perth last summer, coming off the bench in the tour opener. Glasgow players Sione Tuipulotu, Scott Cummings and Huw Jones were in the opposition ranks as the Lions won 54-7.

Kuenzle said Glasgow’s style of rugby under head coach Franco Smith made the move north an appealing one.

“I’m hugely excited,” he said. “It’s a massive opportunity for me, and Glasgow is a club that’s been successful which speaks volumes on the culture. I’m really looking forward to getting over there, meeting the group, and getting stuck in.

“A big part of the move was the style of rugby that Glasgow play and the culture around the club. They play an exciting brand of rugby, and you can see how tight the group is. It feels like a place where you can grow as a player and be part of something special.

“I had some really good conversations with the coaching staff, including Franco, and a couple of players as well. Everyone was really positive about the environment and the direction the club is heading in. Those chats definitely gave me a lot of confidence that it was the right move.”

Born in Sydney, Kuenzle played junior rugby for Burraneer Rugby Club before joining Southern Districts. He was part of the Canberra Vikings side in the National Provincial Championship and made his Super Rugby breakthrough with the Brumbies in 2019.

He spent two seasons with the Brumbies before leaving Canberra in 2021 to join Western Force in Perth where he has spent the last five years.

He told the Warriors website: “I like to think I’m a hard-working player who brings an attacking mindset. I pride myself on doing the basics well, being consistent, and competing in every moment. I’ll look to bring versatility to the squad, a team-first mindset, and hopefully make a positive impact wherever I’m needed.”

Second new arrival

The signing comes as Glasgow prepare to lose a clutch of experienced international players, with Huw Jones, Adam Hastings, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Bhatti, Johnny Matthews and Sione Vailanu all set to leave at the end of the season.

Kuenzle is the second new arrival announced by the Warriors following the signing of Ruwald van der Merwe, a back-row forward from the South African club Pumas. He too will join in the summer.

Smith intimated on Friday that he was close to agreeing a deal for Kuenzle and said on Wednesday that his ability to play in different positions would be important for Glasgow.

“Bayley is a player that we believe will add to our environment, both on and off the field,” said the coach.

“His versatility will be a real asset to our squad, and he has shown his quality with and without the ball irrespective of the number on his jersey.

“We know how excited he is to become a Glasgow Warrior, and we look forward to working with him next season.”