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Prop-short London Irish sign front row pair on short-term deals
By Sam Smith
London Irish have completed the signings of Jamie Dever and Ryan Bower on short-term contracts ahead of next month's start to the new Gallagher Premiership season. The 28-year-old Dever joins on a short-term deal after a stint in Major League Rugby where he featured for Houston Sabercats, San Diego Legion and Old Glory DC.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Bower joins following spells with Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors, the latter for whom he made just over 100 appearances between 2014 and 2020.
London Irish boss Declan Kidney said: “We’re pleased to welcome both Jamie and Ryan to London Irish. With Facundo (Gigena) called into the Argentina squad and Luke (Green) and Tarek (Haffar) only just returning to pre-season training after their exploits with England Under-20s, we’re a little bit light numbers-wise at prop.
"To be able to add both players to the squad for the next few months will strengthen our options, both on match days and on a daily basis at Hazelwood.”
Irish, who lost out in June by two points in the race to qualify for the Heineken Champions Cup, begin their new Premiership season with a September 18 trip to Worcester.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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