Tommy is making the move over the Irish Sea in search of regular first XV rugby and to challenge for as high honours as possible thanks to his Glaswegian mother Sue.
“I’m just taking things one step at a time,” he told glasgowwarriors.org, “but I feel I will be in the right place to develop as a player and to strive towards representative honours.
“I’m very keen to establish myself as a Magners League player. I’ve always been attracted to Scotland because of the style of rugby they play and the expansive role of the backs.”
Now aged 22, Tommy spent the first nine years of his life in ‘Music City’, the capital of the US state of Tennessee, before living in Dubai for a year as a result of his father’s work commitments.
On his arrival in Northern Ireland, he was drafted straight into the Ulster Academy set-up where he has played the majority of his senior rugby. He earned his first full professional contract for the province in 2010 and has since made five appearances.
Although the youngster has had limited opportunities behind the likes of Andrew Trimble and Scot Simon Danielli, Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen still recognises his talent.
“He’s a guy who wants an opportunity and we can give him one," said the former Scotland centre. "Being behind two international class wingers doesn’t mean he’s a bad player. He’s a young lad who just wants an opportunity.”
Sean continued: “We’ve had a look at his game and he’s a quick player. He’s really enthusiastic and I believe he will bring a real edge to our outside backs. He’s a lad with a lot of talent, he’s Scottish qualified, and he’s raring to go.”
Come September this year, the Warriors will be hoping to provide a large contingent of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad, so to have players the calibre of Tommy available for club duties during the tournament will be an added bonus.
“It’s a big season for us next season when a lot of our players could be away at the World Cup,” said Sean. “It’s a chance for other players to shine.”