London Irish continue to assemble a squad ready to defend their Premiership status next season with the signing of Wallabies lock Adam Coleman.
The Championship title-winners have raided the southern hemisphere to add stardust to their pack and backline.
Standing at 6’8″ tall and verging towards 19st 5lb, Coleman meets his sizeable presence with international pedigree having taken over lineout duties with Australia over the past two years.
Leaving the Melbourne Rebels, Coleman will join Waisake Naholo and Sekope Kepu in moving to England to play in the Premiership next season, as revealed in the TRP by Neil Fissler on 20 January.
With 31 Australia caps to his name, Coleman said: “I’m really looking forward to joining London Irish.
“It’s been clear talking to Declan (Kidney) and Les (Kiss) that they’ve got big ambitions for the club, and as well as a good squad already in place, they are making some exciting signings as well.
“The plans for moving back into London look really good as well, and it will be a privilege to be a part of that journey.”
“Before I move to London I’ll be fully committed to having a good Super Rugby campaign in Melbourne and hopefully helping Australia achieve success in the World Cup.”
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London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney added: “We have a strong set of forwards, but know that we need strength in depth if we want to be competitive.
“Adam is a quality player and we’re delighted he has chosen to come and join London Irish.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him to Hazelwood later in the year.”
Coleman, 27, is very much a part of Michael Cheika’s World Cup plans with Australia.
The Wallabies head coach revealed after the axing of Western Force from Super Rugby in 2017 that it took little to persuade Coleman to stay in Australian rugby amid interest from elsewhere with the World Cup in Japan on the horizon.
“I have been talking to him and he’s been very clear where his head is at,” Cheika said at the time.
“I take nothing for granted obviously but I feel very confident he has one big objective in his mind and that he’ll be here.”
