London Irish have confirmed the signing of All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo from the Highlanders.
The 28-year-old, who has 16 tries in 26 caps for New Zealand, along with a Rugby World Cup medal, a Super Rugby title and World Rugby Under-20 Championship crown to his name will bring a touch of class to the team.
Director of rugby at the club, Declan Kidney knows the quality Naholo holds and is looking forward to him joining the club.
“Waisake is a top-class player who will bring great experience with him, which we hope he can pass onto our younger players as they continue their development with us. We are delighted that a player of his ability and age profile has bought into our vision for where we as a club are working hard to get to. We look forward to welcoming him to Hazelwood when he is finished with his commitments with the NZRU,” he said.
The flying winger, who also has 41 tries in 58 appearances for the Highlanders, admitted that he likes the direction in which the Exiles are going.
“Following a great career with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Taranaki I am excited by the challenge of joining London Irish. London Irish is a team on the up and has an exciting future. There is plenty of ambition, a world-class training facility, a good group of coaches and players and some exciting signings coming in. The supporters have a great reputation as well and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
London Irish are on a massive spending spree ahead of next season as they look to stay in the Premiership following their promotion from the Championship.
Only yesterday they announced the signing of former Ulster fly-half Paddy Jackson, who became their sixth ‘big name’ capture of the summer so far.
The club have also managed to bring in Australian internationals Nick Phipps, Curtis Rona and Sekope Kepu. While their other two signings are Leinster and Ireland back-row Sean O’Brien and Scotland prop Allan Dell.
With seven players already signed up and with the rest of the summer to go London Irish certainly look like a force to be reckoned with next season.
