London Irish sign England Under-20s captain Alex Gray on a two-year deal - Rugby
Reading based English Rugby Union club, London Irish, also known as The Exiles, have acquired the services of the England Under-20s captain, Alex Gray. Exiles have inked a two-year deal with Gray.
Officials at the London Irish have confirmed the signing of the former Newcastle Falcons number eight, in a statement released on their website on Tuesday, August 9.
London Irish head coach, Toby Booth, has expressed his delight on securing the services of the young and talented English back row forward. He has praised the Gray’s skills, abilities and personality attributes and has particularly commended his leadership skills.
Booth has termed Gray as an asset for the club. He further added, “Alex is a player that we have kept a close eye on for a couple of years now. He is an exceptional athlete and has an impressive array of skills for a back row forward.”
The Bishop born Gray has expressed his satisfaction on the signing the new deal with the London Irish. He said, “I am very pleased to be joining London Irish. They play an exciting brand of rugby that I look forward to becoming a part of.”
Gray has expressed his hope to play and deliver exceptional performance alongside the likes of Jonathan Joseph, Guy Armitage and Kieran Low in the Irish seniors’ squad.
The 20-year-old Gray is a Newcastle Falcons Academy product. He has already made his Aviva Premiership debut for the Falcons against the Harlequins during the 2010/11 season. He has made 13 appearances for Falcons and has a try to his name.
Commenting on his stay at the Falcons, Gray said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Newcastle Falcons and wish the club all the best for the future.” Falcons were relegated from the Premiership at the end of their 2010/11 Aviva Premiership campaign.
So far in his career, Gray has led England at Under 16s, Under 18s and Under 20s level. He was captain of the English side, which finished second in the 2011 International Rugby Board (IRB) 2011 Junior World Championship. He has made 10 appearances for England under 20s in last season and has scored seven tries.
The utility forward Gray can play at both number eight and at flanker position and his inclusion has provided depth in club’s resources for their campaign in the 2011/12 domestic and European season.
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