Exiles’ legend signs new deal

Club record try-scorer Topsy Ojo has extended his contract at London Irish as the campaign gathers pace ahead of the play-offs.
The 31-year-old, who has notched up his 80th career try and 400th point for Irish, is the first of a series of players to have penned new deals.
Scrum-half Brendan McKibbin and full-bacl Greig Tonks are the other players who put pen to paper on a new contract.
A graduate of the club’s successful Academy, Ojo made his debut against Wasps in October 2005 and has since gained iconic status among the Exiles faithful.
Featuring in the 2008 Heineken Cup Semi-final showdown with Toulouse as well as the 2009 Premiership Final, Ojo’s illustrious playing career has transcended to the international scene with England.
A member of Rob Andrew’s England squad that toured New Zealand in 2008, Ojo scored two tries in the opening Test to underline his growing credentials as one of the country’s leading wingers.
In 2011, Ojo was also part of the England Saxons side that won the Churchill Cup, the same year he was named London Irish Player of the Year.
Pulling on the green jersey 272 times, the Londoner is now eight appearances away from surpassing Justin Bishop’s appearance record and another place in the history books.
He said: “London Irish is a club that means everything to me and I’m pleased to have extended my contract.
“There is so much excitement surrounding the club at present and I want to be a part of what we are striving to achieve.
“It’s also great to see the amount of young talent that has progressed from the Academy, and I’ve enjoyed working alongside the likes of Joe Cokanasiga, Tom Parton and Theo Brophy Clews.
“Nick Kennedy has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to assemble a squad capable of challenging for an immediate return to the Premiership, and everyone at the club is determined to realise the club’s ambitions.”
Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy added: “Topsy’s experience has been crucial for us throughout this season and I’m pleased he’s committed his future to the club.
“As well as his talents on the field, off the field he’s been superb with the Academy players and younger members of the squad who have broken into the first team. He’s a fantastic role model for everyone at the club to look up to, and I know he’s desperate to finish the season on a high.”