Australian international back row Jake Schatz and Samoan international lock Teofilo Paulo has made the switch to London Irish ahead of the 2017/18 Premiership season.
The two-times capped Wallaby was a Super Rugby winner in 2011 with the Queensland Reds as they defeated Ritchie McCaw’s Crusaders in front of more than 50,000 spectators at the Suncorp Stadium. Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and the Exiles’ very own Ben Franks featured for the Crusaders that day.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates at Hazelwood in July and to start preparing for the new campaign in the Premiership,” said Schatz, who made his Test debut against Argentina in The Rugby Championship in 2014.
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“I’m really grateful to London Irish for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premiership, a competition that I have always wanted to test myself in.
“I’m really impressed with what the club is currently building with regards to the culture and ethos and where it wants to be long-term.”
Meanwhile, Paulo joins a talented roster of locks at the club, Player of the Season Mike Coman and Players’ Player of the Season Sebastian De Chaves having already established themselves at the club.
“London Irish have a strong pack with a lot of quality in their ranks and I’m looking forward to competing for a place in the team,” said Paulo.
“There is a fantastic set-up at Irish and their promotion back to the Premiership has increased the excitement ahead of the new season.”
Nick Kennedy, London Irish Director of Rugby said: “With his international experience, Teofilo is a very good addition who will further enhance the competition for places in the squad.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team.”