London Irish sign versatile Australian forward Tom Alexander on one-year deal - Rugby
Reading based English Rugby Union club, London Irish, has announced the signing of the versatile Australian forward Tom Alexander. Officials at the club have confirmed the deal with the Australian utility forward in a statement released on their website on Wednesday, August 24.
The Irish have inked a one-year deal with the young and talented forwards player. Alexander is the younger brother of the ACT Brumbies and Wallabies forwards player Ben Alexander. Currently, he represents Eastwood Rugby Club in the Sydney’s domestic Rugby competition.
Alexander also made brief appearances for the ACT Brumbies, thanks to the ACT Brumbies development programmes, last season. However, this new London Irish contract can be termed as his first professional senior rugby union club contract.
Alexander has expressed his delight on signing the new deal with the London Irish. He said, “I am looking forward to joining up with London Irish and playing rugby in the northern hemisphere.”
The versatile forwards player, Alexander, can play in both second row and flanker positions. He added, “The brand of rugby played in Europe has always been very physical and confrontational which will suit my style of play.”
Commenting on his stay at Eastwood, Alexander confirmed that he has enjoyed playing rugby with the squad. He has thanked the club’s management, supporting staff and players for their support and the roles they have played in developing and polishing his skills. However, he added, the opportunity to play and represent a club in the Aviva Premiership has compelled him to leave Eastwood and join the Exiles.
London Irish head coach, Toby Booth, has expressed his excitement on signing the upcoming young Australian forward. He confirmed that Alexander’s versatility has played a vital role in attracting the club in to offering him a deal. He said, “He is an athletic, skilful player with a great deal of strength so he will offer a lot of options.”
Booth further added, “Tom gives us another option to our forward pack which is important to have during a long, demanding season.”
Tom Alexander is the Exiles 13th signing ahead of their 2011/12 season campaign. Their earlier acquisitions include the likes of England Under-20s captain Alex Gray, Canadian international Jebb Sinclair, Bath Rugby’s Shontayne Hape, Adrian Jarvis , James Sandford, Bryn Evans, Ross Samson, Leo Halavatau, Edward Siggery, Steven Shingler, and Ospreys’ Jonathan Spratt .
Irish finished sixth on the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership table. They won 11 of their 22 games of the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership season and secured 54 points, which included six try bonus points and four losing bonus points.
Tags: