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London Irish seal Paddy Jackson deal

By Online Editors
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

London Irish have confirmed the signing of Paddy Jackson.

He was linked to a move to the Premiership club back in January, but it's finally been confirmed.

The 26-year-old fly-half, who has 25 Ireland caps to his name, joined Perpignan in the summer of 2018. While the Top 14 struggled this season, Jackson’s own form has caught the eye and he was also linked to a move to Lyon.

Jackson is well known to London Irish’s Director of Rugby Declan Kidney and Head Coach Les Kiss. Kidney awarded Jackson his first international cap in 2013, while Kiss worked with the fly-half with both the Ireland national team and Ulster.

“Players of the calibre of Paddy Jackson do not become available very often and both myself and Les are looking forward to working with him in the future” Kidney commented.

“He is a player with proven international quality who we feel will add value to our squad, and it is pleasing that Paddy sees London Irish as a part of his future.”

The former Ulster player said: “I’m delighted to be joining London Irish next season at such an exciting and pivotal time for everyone involved with the club”

“London Irish have a clear vision for where they want to be and I look forward to being part of it.”

Jackson is the sixth high-profile player to sign for the club ahead of their Premiership return and Jackson will form a halfback partnership with Wallabies scrum half Nick Phipps.

In the pack London Irish have added two more Wallabies - Curtis Rona and Sekope Kepu, along with Ireland back row Sean O'Brien and Scottish prop Allan Dell.

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