London Irish have signed another Northampton Saints player

London Irish’s recruitment drive for the 2018-19 season continues as the Championship side signed another Northampton Saints player.

Yesterday they signed Stephen Myler and today the Exiles announced two new signings to their ranks, including another Saints departee.

Premiership-winning centre Tom Stephenson will arrive from Northampton Saints for the 2018-19 season, and he will be joined by industrious second-row Barney Maddison from Ealing Trailfinders.

Stephenson, 23, who was part of the Saints set-up that scooped the Premiership and the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2014, brings pace, power and creativity to the Exiles’ backline.

The two-time World Rugby U20 Championship winner has played 54 times for the Franklin’s Gardens outfit and has underlined his bourgeoning credentials with two tries last campaign.

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Touted as a huge prospect, Stephenson made his 50th appearance for Saints during a 34-21 victory over Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne and his move to Irish will see him team up with former Saints players Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi and Stephen Myler.

“From speaking to Danny, who I’ve played with at Northampton and in the England Under-20s team, there is an exciting set-up at London Irish and I’m really enthusiastic about being part of the club’s future under Declan Kidney,” said Stephenson.

“I feel that I’m ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully I can hit the ground running when I arrive at Hazelwood in the summer.”

And 29-year-old Maddison has scored four tries in 17 outings for Ealing this campaign, helping the west London club to second place in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Making the move to Vallis Way from London Welsh midway through the 2016/17 season, Maddison launched his professional career with Rotherham Titans in 2011 where he made more than 90 appearances for the South Yorkshire club.

Enjoying five seasons with the Titans, one of the highlights of his career at Clifton Lane was contesting a two-legged play-off semi-final against Bristol in 2015. Maddison was named in the 2017/18 Championship Dream Team following a solid campaign in Ealing colours.

“I’m really pleased to have signed for London Irish and the move provides me with a fresh challenge that I’m extremely excited about,” said Maddison, who was named Ealing’s Players’ Player of the Season.

“I’ve enjoyed my rugby with Ealing this season, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help London Irish achieve promotion back to the Premiership next season.”