London Irish rachet up Premiership plans with several targets in mind

LONDON IRISH are weighing up improving their front row next season with a move for Wallaby international Sekope Kepu.

Sydney-born tighthead Kepu, 33, has a century of international caps after representing New Zealand at age grade levels after his family relocated there when he was a child.

The NSW Waratahs front row spent a season playing for Bordeaux in France before returning to Australia on a three-year deal for family reasons.

But it is believed that he is keen on a return to Europe after the World Cup and Irish have been mentioned as a destination.

Kepu, 34 next February, has no plans to retire, having recently said that he hopes to continue playing until his 40th birthday.

He could join Waratahs’ team-mates Nick Phipps and Curtis Rona at Irish while Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Coleman has also signed up.

Waisake Naholo and Paddy Jackson are also expected to be confirmed by the club in the near future while Irish also want Johnny Williams back from Newcastle.

Meanwhile Declan Kidney and Les Kiss are looking to bring another experienced coach into their Hazelwood training base next season.

Blindside understands that Ospreys defence coach Brad Davis, who has had spells with Wasps and Bath, is the man they want to employ.

Davis was linked with Leicester Tigers earlier in the season, and England, when Paul Gustard jumped ship and moved across the road from Twickenham to Harlequins.

NEIL FISSLER / Photo: Getty Images