Irish confirm Premiership deal for Billy Meakes

Australian centre Billy Meakes has agreed to link up with London Irish on a short-term contract until the end of January 2021. Having spent three seasons with Gloucester between 2013 and 2016, Meakes is familiar to the Gallagher Premiership surroundings.

“We are very happy that Billy has agreed to come on board until the end of January,” said Declan Kidney, the London Irish director of rugby.

“Injuries to Terrence Hepetema and Matt Williams have left us short in the centre position, so we are delighted that we are able to bring in Billy, who has a lot of experience of playing in the Premiership.”

Meakes explained: “I really enjoyed my time playing in the Premiership previously, so I’m really looking forward to getting back over to England, this time with London Irish. The club is about to go into an exciting period with the move to the new stadium, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of it.”

The 29-year-old, who made 15 Super Rugby appearances in 2020 for Melbourne Rebels, was part of the Australia U20s squad at the 2011 Junior World Championships, helping them to a third-place finish. He also represented Australia 7s during the 2011/12 IRB Sevens World Series.