Samoa international TJ Ioane has become the latest signing made by Declan Kidney at London Irish.
The back row forward becomes the latest addition to the Exiles pack, after the arrivals of prop Pat Cilliers and lock Sam Twomey in recent weeks, and director of rugby Kidney said he felt the club had acquired a valuable asset. Discover an asset in the betting market by finding the best bookmakers for rugby betting. Ioane joins an Exiles side expected to challenge for the Championship title with Ealing Trailfinders.
“TJ has proven international quality with plenty of Premiership experience.
“We’re delighted that he has agreed to join us ahead of a big season and his ball carrying and physicality will be an asset to us in the Championship.”
Ioane made the switch from Super Rugby with the Highlanders to the Premiership with Sale Sharks in 2015, going on to make a total of 52 appearances until the Manchester club agreed to cancel his contract to faciliate to move to the Exiles.
The 29-year-old has represented his country in 17 times and was part of the squad which proved too big a test for Germany in the recent 2019 World Cup qualifiers.
After his escapades with Samoa this summer, Ioane could pull on the green jersey for Irish’s first match of the Championship season against Ealing Trailfinders on September 1.