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London Irish issue statement of intent with signing of International player from Sale Sharks
By Tom Parker
London Irish have made it extremely clear that they want to bounce back to the Gallagher Premiership with this signing.
The Exiles have signed TJ Ioane, who played for Sale Sharks last season. Currently, he is a Samoan international back-rower, winning the most recent of his 17 caps during this summer’s Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
The Samoan certainly has experience and rugby pedigree, after having previously plied his trade for Wellington, Otago and the Highlanders. This kind of game knowledge means that the 29-year-old should at the very least be able to handle himself in a division which Irish will hope to come out of on top.
Declan Kidney appeared to be pleased with the acquisition of the Islander, saying:
“TJ has proven international quality with plenty of Premiership experience,” said director of rugby Declan Kidney.“We’re delighted that he has agreed to join us ahead of a big season, and his ball carrying and physicality will be an asset to us in the Championship.”
For players who are not familiar with the Samoan star. It might be worth rewatching his highlights in the Samoa vs South Africa match in 2015, where Ioane made some superb tackles for the men in blue. London Irish will be hoping that these kinds of big tackles continue in the Greene King IPA Championship, which is notorious for fielding players who can be extremely physical.
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Latest Comments
Disagree.
The challenge for the All Blacks now that they have 7 of 8 starting forwards locked in and all but one bench forward (only one loose forward and bench loosie to settle on) is to sort out the starting backline as only 9 Roigard, 12 J. Barrett, 11 Clarke and 15 Jordan had good to outstanding seasons in 2024. All the other backs were inconsistent or poor and question marks going into 2025.
Go to commentshe should not be playing 12. He should be playing 10 and team managers should stop playing players out of position to accommodate libbok.
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