London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith has announced that his side are close to signing a new fly half, having discussed 15 possible contenders to fill the role.
Of the search to fill the 10 shirt Smith said “We’re making sure we’re not buying someone with a tendency for injuries. We don’t want journeyman players. We have some really talented young players so we want to bring in world-class players around them to help them shine”.
Having earlier being linked with former Wales and Scarlet’s number 10 Stephen Jones the calibre of player is clear. Jones has gone on to join Wasps for next season but Smith is confident he is close to bringing in a man fit to fill the role.
Several high profile players will be leaving the Exiles in the summer, with Delon Armitage likely to be amongst them, leaving for Toulon to join brothers Steffon and guy. Whilst refusing to confirm Delon’s departure Smith refused to rule it out but did seem resigned to losing him, commenting that the Armitage family would “always have a home at London Irish” should they leave.
London Irish’s campaign this season has taken a major blow over recent weeks, having lost 6 consecutive league games they now find themselves with a major uphill struggle to gain Heineken Cup Rugby next season. With Saracens this weekend, none of their final three games are easy and with Sale seemingly back in form with last night’s win over Bath a result against Champions Sarries is a must for the Exiles.
If they do want to sign a big name fly half it is of utmost importance that they show at least a reasonable level of fight in their quest for a Heineken Cup place. The top players will want to be in the Heineken Cup and Irish will have to provide that should they