Exiles sign Tigers trio but Gibson leaves

London Irish confirmed today that Jamie Gibson will leave London Irish at the end of the season.
The flanker joined the Exiles Academy in 2009 and he has gone on to make 69 appearances for the club, scoring two tries.
Gibson said: “I have really enjoyed my time at London Irish. I have played with some really great players and I will leave with some fantastic memories. The supporters have always been great to play in front of and I would like to thank them for all their support during my time with the club.
“I am moving on to a new challenge and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my rugby career.”
The club has also announced the arrivals of Jimmy Stevens, Jonny Harris and Alex Lewington from Leicester Tigers on three-year deals.
This take the number of players sign to five in two days and eight in just over a week after the signatures of Mike Mayhew (Newcastle), Eamonn Sheridan and Fergus Mulchrone (both Rotherham) and Matt Parr and Nic Rouse (both Nottingham).
Last month the Exiles also announced the arrival of Scarlets winger Andy Fenby and Worcester No.8 Blair Cowan.
Stevens, 22, appeared for the Tigers in the Heineken Cup in the home win over Aironi last season and was also a regular feature in the Tigers LV=Cup side this season.
A promising young prop from Norfolk, Harris made his first-team debut for the Tigers back in November 2009 and as also been capped by England at U19 level.
The LV= Cup run of 2011/12 allowed former Nottingham High School pupil Alex Lewington to show his abilities in a Leicester Tigers shirt.
He scored his first senior try with an excellent solo score in the Cup win at Harlequins and then started the semi-final victory over Bath.
He came through the Tigers Academy and picked up Premiership ‘A’ League winner’s medals along with Harris in 2010/11. He has been capped by England at U16 and U18 levels.
London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith said: “Glenn Delaney has worked closely with all three of these players and I’ve been impressed with what they’ve already achieved at Leicester and Nottingham.
“I’m sure we can develop them further and expect all three will be pushing for a place in our matchday squad. If they put their heads down, I have no doubt they can go on to higher honours.”