"All staying in the Premiership" - Six more London Irish stars find new clubs
Rugby NewsThursday, 22 June 2023 at 20:19
: “Rory brings with him a lot of different qualities and is someone that I’ve worked with before, so I know he’s a great character.
Confirmed reports indicate that five London Irish players have officially signed agreements to join prominent Premiership clubs such as Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, and Saracens.
As a result of London Irish's suspension from the Premiership, a number of players found themselves without a club for the upcoming season.
However, this group of five players has successfully secured transfers to ensure their continued participation in the league for the 2023/24 season.
Additionally, one player from the team will be venturing across the channel to compete in the prestigious Top 14 league in France.
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#1. Will Joseph to Harlequins
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of a third former London Irish player in one day, as they welcome centre Will Joseph to the Twickenham Stoop.
Joseph joined London Irish at 13-years-old, and progressed through the fabled Exiles Academy and into the senior squad. He has already received international recognition for England U18s and later U20s, for the 2022 U20s Six Nations. He followed in the footsteps of his brother Jonathon Joseph, and made his senior test debut in the tail end of the Eddie Jones era, during England's 2022 Summer tour to Australia.
He has since gone on to impress England Head Steve Borthwick, and earned himself a place in the wider training squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Joseph will aim to make some Summer appearances at Twickenham stadium, as England complete their warm-up matches ahead of the trip to France.
Will Joseph of London Irish participates in a warm-up drill ahead of the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Saracens at the Gtech Community Stadium, Hounslow, London on Friday 23rd December 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Joseph will then make the short walk across to the Stoop, and settle into his new home for the 2023/24 Premiership campaign. Speaking to the
Harlequins website, Joseph said;
“I’m excited to be joining Harlequins and appreciate how quickly they’ve made me feel so welcome. It’s obviously been a tough couple of months for everyone involved with London Irish, with an ending that none of us ever expected, and I just wanted to thank all the fans, coaches, and staff for their time and help in my career so far and hope to see some of them at The Stoop next season.
“Meeting Billy and the team at Quins and hearing about their plans and how I can hopefully fit into that was exciting, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge ahead. I’ve already worked with some of the coaches and have a lot of good friends at the Club, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I can and meeting the rest of the squad and staff soon.”
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: "Will is a highly talented athlete who has progressed significantly during his time with London Irish."
#2. Ollie Hoskins to Saracens
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
“I’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.
“We 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.”
#3. Adam Coleman to Bordeaux
The 31-year-old player, who represented Australia in 38 matches, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has made a significant decision to switch his allegiance to Tonga for the upcoming finals in France.
The player from London Irish has been rumoured to be considering a move to Bordeaux in the Top 14 league, which has now been confirmed.
He is now a member of the Tongan squad, which boasts notable players such as Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau, both former All Blacks, and Isreal Folau, a former Wallaby.
Adam Coleman of London Irish during the European Challenge Cup match between London Irish and Toulon at Madejski Stadium on December 14 2019, Reading, England (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#4. Chandler Cunningham-South to Harlequins
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of former London Irish back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South.
Cunningham-South is well equipped to play across both flanks and at number eight, making him a valuable asset for Harlequins. It is great to see that the promising young player will continue in the Premiership, after the 20-year-old's future was uncertain after the financial collapse of London Irish.
The 20-year-old, who grew up in New Zealand playing for North Harbour, Canterbury and Lincoln University, joined the London Irish Academy last year, before making his Premiership debut against Bath Rugby in May 2022.
Last season Cunningham-South made 19 Premiership appearances, proving a handful in attack and defence, with 73 carries, 91 tackles and three tries. He also played a key role for the Exiles in their Champions Cup campaign, playing all four pool matches against Montpellier and DHL Stormers.
Chandler Cunningham-South of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Leicester Tigers at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 25 February 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Cunningham-South has gained international recognition, as he was called up for the England U20s squad. He has featured in the 2022 and 2023 U20s Six Nations, and is in the squad for the U20 World Championships.
Speaking ahead to the Harlequins website, Cunningham-South said: "I'm excited to be starting a new opportunity at Harlequins and extremely grateful for the chance to join the Club. I want to thank everyone at London Irish for the special memories and support. I loved my time playing for Irish and want to thank the supporters for the encouragement and thank my coaches and teammates for believing in me and helping me grow as a player and person.”
Try celebrations for Chandler Cunningham-South of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Leicester Tigers at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 25 February 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: "It's pleasing to welcome Chandler to Quins and provide him with an opportunity to continue his career in the Premiership. I know how much the London Irish supporters loved watching him play last season, he's an excitement machine with plenty of power and versatility. We're excited for his continued development in Quins colours."
#5. Lovejoy Chawatama to Harlequins
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of former London Irish prop Lovejoy Chawatama. One of the most explosive front rowers in the Premiership, Chawatama signs for his former West London rivals ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.
Chawatama becomes the latest former Exile to confirm their future plans, after London Irish entered financial administration at the end of the 2022/23 Premiership season. The 30-year-old follows on from Rory Jennings' new deal with Newcastle Falcons, for a busy day in the Premiership transfer window.
Lovejoy Chawatama of London Irish during the Premiership Rugby Cup Semi Final match between London Irish and Gloucester Rugby at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 10 February 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
The tight-head prop played 18 times for London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership last season, achieving 15 appearances in 2020/21 and 13 in 2019/20. He made his 50th appearance for the Exiles during the 2020/21 season.
Born in Zimbabwe, Chawatama started his rugby career as a back-row before moving up the pack to the prop. He has previously gained international recognition with England Students and enjoyed stints with Clifton RFC, London Scottish and London Welsh.
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Commenting on his move to Quins, Chawatama said to the Harlequins website: "London Irish will always have a special place in my heart. I am so grateful for the six years I spent at the club, and will forever cherish the memories made with players, staff, and fans. I am excited for this next chapter with Harlequins, a fantastic Club with exceptional talent on and off the pitch. I look forward to getting stuck into preseason."
Lovejoy Chawatama of London Irish takes selfies with the crowd after the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between London Irish and Exeter Chiefs at The Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford, London on May 18 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: "We've been saddened by the London Irish situation and our thoughts remain with all players, staff and supporters. It's been a difficult few weeks but we're pleased to support Lovejoy and provide him with an opportunity to remain in the Premiership. He's a hard-working prop who strengthens our front-row."
#6. Rory Jennings to Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of former London Irish playmaker Rory Jennings. The versatile back is well equipped to play at fly half or in the centre, making him a valued addition to the ever-expanding Falcons squad.
Rory Jennings of London Irish kicks the penalty during the Premiership Rugby Cup Semi Final match between London Irish and Gloucester Rugby at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 10 February 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Jennings becomes the 12th Newcastle Falcons senior signing ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season, joining the likes of Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Eduardo Bello (Saracens), Cameron Hutchison (Edinburgh), Hugh O’Sullivan (London Irish), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Louis Brown (Coventry), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter Chiefs), Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster), Bryan Byrne (Bristol Bears), Josh Bainbridge (Coventry) and John Kelly (Doncaster Knights).
Jennings made 19 appearances for London Irish last season, 11 of them in the Gallagher Premiership and four in the Heineken Champions Cup. Newcastle Falcons Head Coach Alex Codling is delighted to have signed the midfielder.
Codling said to the Newcastle Falcons club website
“He’s been a key part of a London Irish team who played exceptionally well last season and I’m looking forward to seeing him make a really positive impact here.
Rory Jennings of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Leicester Tigers at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 25 February 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
“He’s very comfortable playing either at centre or fly-half and he has a great ability to play at the line, which will suit the way we want to play. That option to have him as a second receiver gives us great flexibility, but he’ll make a big contribution wherever he plays.”
Jennings became a free agent after the financial collapse of London Irish, and will thankfully be continuing his rugby in the top flight. The 27-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Falcons, and he is ready to get started at Kingston Park.
Rory Jennings of London Irish runs into Jonny Hill of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Sale Sharks at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 12 March 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Jennings said: “First and foremost I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Falcons and to be given the opportunity.
“I want to get stuck in straightaway and contribute to the group, but of course it would be remiss of me not to mention the recent events at London Irish. The club and supporters there have given me a huge amount over the past two years, which I'll never forget.
“It’s been a tremendously difficult time affecting a lot of really good people, but it doesn’t take away from the fact a new opportunity has opened up for me at Newcastle. I’m really thankful for that and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club.
Rory Jennings of London Irish breaks down the line during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Sale Sharks at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 12 March 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
“I worked with the Falcons’ new head coach Alex Codling for a brief period when I went on loan from Bath to Ealing, and know him to be a very good coach. It’ll be great to link up with him again, and I know quite a few of the other players already from either playing with them or meeting them around various things.”
Looking forward to making an impact, Jennings added: “I’m very competitive and I’ll give absolutely everything for every second I’m on the pitch or in the training environment.
“I’ve played fly-half and centre plenty of times, and I’m happy to play wherever I’m needed. I’ll go wherever the coaches want me and wherever’s best for the team, and I can’t wait to get up there next week to begin the journey.
Rory Jennings of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Exeter Chiefs at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 6 May 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
“As a visiting player I know Newcastle to be a very difficult place to come and get a result at, so I’d imagine they’ll be looking to build on that whole fortress mentality. It will be good to be on the other side of that, and the North-East crowd always seem like they get right into it.
“Away from the rugby it just seems like a great city with friendly people, and I’ll try to throw myself into getting out and about round the region. It’s a great opportunity from both a rugby and lifestyle point of view, and as sad as it was the way things panned out at London Irish I’m just grateful to have this chance.”
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