London Irish making it tough for Toulon to get Steffon Armitage – Rugby news
A day after the New Zealand Rugby Union’s Chief Executive Steve Tew publically denounced the move by certain European Clubs of inflicting defection in the All Blacks, one of the European Clubs have also hinted that any move by the player to switch will be
looked upon seriously.
The development came after news reports revealed that the big money spending French Top 14 Toulon has acquired the services of the England international Flanker Steffon Armitage for the next season.
25-year-old Steffon Armitage is currently playing for the London Irish in the Aviva Premiership. Irish Flanker Armitage joined London Irish in 2006. At the completion of his three-year contract, Steffon Armitage again extended his tenure with the Irish to
play for the club until the end of 2011-12 rugby season.
In recent developments, London Irish coach Toby Booth has categorically denied the media reports regarding the switching of the Irish Flanker Armitage to Toulon. When asked question about the Steffon Armitage, Booth commented, “He's still contracted to London
Irish so as we sit here now he's not going anywhere.”
This is the Steffon Armitage’s fifth year with the Irish and Booth has worked hard with the Armitage to develop him. Booth has gravely praised the Armitage’s abilities and his potential to do difficult things by making them look so easy.
With respect to their combined achievement, Booth commented, “We've had various successes and failures together and we've helped him to achieve one of his ambitions of playing for England.”
Steffon Armitage has been an integral part of the London Irish for past many years. His last minute try against the Sale Sharks during the last weekend Aviva Premiership’s encounter have helped his team to achieve the all import Try bonus point.
It is always difficult for a team to lose a quality player, however London Irish Coach has made it crystal clear is that they will only release Armitage after his suitable replacement is available.
He said, “But one thing you can be certain is if Steffon does leave the club it won't be until we have a replacement and it will need to be a replacement of a suitable standard.”
Booth has also hinted a discussion with his Flanker Steffon Armitage to find out the reason behind his this move. Deduction is that the Irish are in no mode to make it simple for Toulon’s to get their player of choice.
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