Raised in South Africa, Byron came through the Western Province academy before joining Currie Cup club the Border Bulldogs two years ago. The 22-year-old joined up with the Scotland Sevens squad last season before signing a deal with the Scotstoun-based club.

Byron told the Evening Times: "I know how hard it will be to earn a starting jersey with Glasgow but that is my ambition. I am determined to prove it is not Mission Impossible.

"It has been my ambition for a long time to come over to Scotland and earn a pro deal with Glasgow.

"My mother is Glaswegian and you have the PRO12 and the Heineken Cup which are two tournaments I am desperate to play in. So for me it is just a better league and structure and the facilities at Scotstoun are tremendous.

"Primarily I am an outside centre, although I can play inside too and have also played on the wing and at full-back. So I guess you could say that I am fairly versatile. But I will do what I have to do to make it into the first team as that is why I have come to Glasgow."

Byron added: "I have come here to become a starting centre and that is the target for the season and I think it is good to set yourself goals in sport as well as life. One day I'd love to play for Scotland but first of all I need to start for Glasgow next season."

Byron admits that the step-up in intensity in his first pre-season as a Warrior has hit him hard but is relishing learning in the Glasgow school of hard knocks.

He said: "I think the biggest thing for me has been the mental intensity of it all. I have done full-time pre-seasons before obviously but this is at another level.

"Already I can feel myself developing as a player and getting stronger physically for it as well as up top."

He went on: "It is great for me to have guys like Graeme Morrison on hand to learn from. He has a fistful of Scotland caps and has pretty much done it all with Glasgow and is a seasoned pro.

"The intensity he puts into his training and the gas he still has for an experienced pro is real testament to his professionalism.

"The Heineken Cup draw last week really brought it all home to me just what lies ahead.

"Personally speaking it is a very exciting time for me and I am just loving the whole experience.

"The new season can't come soon enough."