Exiles sign Smith from Ospreys

Published: Wednesday, 22. February, 2012 in category London Irish

London Irish have signed Ospreys loose-forward Tom Smith on a two-year deal.

Smith: Signed for London Irish

Smith, 26, is a former Wales Under-21 captain who has made 60 appearances for the Ospreys.

London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: "Tom's ability to play at both blindside flanker and number eight means he will add further to our back-row options. He is a top class defender that possesses very good set-piece attributes."

Smith follows Leicester lock George Skivington in signing for London Irish and he will link up with the squad in the summer.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ospreys but feel it is time to move on and I am keen to do this at London Irish," Smith said.

"There are a few Welsh lads in the current London Irish squad who have gone on to be extremely successful in recent seasons and I hope to follow suit when I join this summer."

The Exiles are losing lock Nick Kennedy to Toulon and scrum-half Paul Hodgson to Worcester.