"From West to North London" - Saracens Confirm Signing of Former London Irish Prop Ollie Hoskins - Ruck
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“From West to North London” – Saracens Confirm Signing of Former London Irish Prop Ollie Hoskins

22 June 2023
Tom Sansom

Saracens have confirmed the signing of former London Irish tighthead prop Ollie Hoskins. The front-rower heads to the StoneX Stadium after a seven-year spell with the Exiles, and becomes the latest ex-Irish player to confirm their future in the Premiership.

Hoskins’ future was thrown up in the air, after the financial collapse of London Irish at the end of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season. However, the 30-year-old now joins the likes of Chandler Cunningham-South, Lovejoy Chawatama (both Harlequins) and Rory Jennings (Newcastle Falcons) in confirming their Premiership futures today.

The Australian international made 164 caps for London Irish, after making his debut in 2016. The 128kg prop started his career in Super Rugby with Western Force before joining the Exiles, and he now adds depth Sarries’ tightheads, with the likes of Marco Riccioni, Alec Clarey and Christian Judge.

Speaking to the Saracens club website, Hoskins is excited to make the move from West to North London.

Ollie Hoskins of Australia during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

β€œI’m incredibly excited to start this new chapter in my career. The last month has been chaotic, emotional and stressful for me and my wife, so I am really grateful for the opportunity to represent Saracens, and hopefully add something to the already world-class environment.”

“Everyone I have spoken to throughout this process have been super supportive, and I’m motivated to throw myself into pre-season and become a better player, it is an exciting challenge.

Ollie Hoskins of London Irish runs at Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between London Irish and Northampton Saints at The Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford, London on March 26 2022. – PHOTO: Danny Loo/PPAUK

“Lastly, I want to thank London Irish for the last seven years. It’s been heart-breaking to go through this period, as the club was filled with genuinely incredible people both on and off the field. They shaped me into the player and man I am today, and I wouldn’t be in this position without them. So to all those who’ve been involved with London Irish over my career there, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Ollie Hoskins of London Irish on the break during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and London Irish at Sandy Park on 23 Oct 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Director of Rugby Mark McCall is pleased to welcome Hoskins to StoneX Stadium.

β€œWe are delighted to welcome Ollie to our club. He is a very experienced Premiership player and will add important depth to our front row options.”