London Irish Richard Thorpe extends his contract for two more years - Rugby
London Irish back row star, Richard Thorpe, has signed a two-year contract with the Exiles today, May 17, which will allow him to be part of the club for the next couple of years.
London Irish management has expressed their delight on retaining their versatile and experienced player for two more years. Thorpe has played at both number 8 and at flanker position for the squad and has been especially beneficial
for the team.
The Kent born player made his professional senior club debut in 2003 when he joined the Saracens on a two-year contract and remained with them until the 2005. Later, he joined the London Irish and made his debut for the Exiles
against the London Wasps on October 8, 2006. He scored his first try hat-trick in the same season against the Newport Gwent Dragons and helped the side reach the Heineken Cup semi-finals.
Thorpe also played in the 2008/09 Premiership finals that the Irish lost by a single point to the Leicester Tigers.
The 26-years-old is a London Irish Academy product and joined the academy in 2002. So far, he has made 110 appearances for the club and has scored sixteen tries. This season, Thorpe has played 20 out of the 22 games in the domestic
season and was able to score two tries.
Richard Thorpe has represented the England Schools at Under-16 and Under-18 levels. In 2003, He was also included in the England’s national Under-19 rugby union team to play in the 2003 U19 FIRA World Championship.
In 2004, his exceptional and consistent performance secured him a place in the England Under-21 team and he represented England during the 2004 Under-21 World Championship.
Thorpe has welcomed the extension in his new contract and he termed playing at London Irish as a pleasure. He further added, “The club has been fantastic to me over the last decade and I am now looking forward to another enjoyable two years ahead.”
London Irish head coach, Toby Booth, has also welcomed the signing of the contract and appraised the impact Thorpe has had on the club. He said, “Richard is a highly committed London Irish player who gives his all for the shirt whenever he wears it.” Speaking
about his commitment and dedication, Booth Said, “I have coached Richard since he first started at the club and the one thing I can never fault is his effort and commitment.”
London Irish are currently in process of strengthening their team for next season after a disappointing end to their 2010/11 premiership campaign. The extension of Thorpe will definitely help them achieve the honours in the upcoming season.
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