London Irish have announced the signing of Australian international prop Sekope Kepu from the Waratahs ahead of their return to the Gallagher Premiership next season.
The front-rower, who has 103 caps for the Aussies and over 130 caps for the Waratahs will add a huge amount of experience to the pack as they look to remain in the top division following their promotion.
Speaking about the move to England, Kepu talked about how excited he was to move and also how impressed he was with the current state of the club.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to join London Irish as they return back to the Premiership next season. I was very impressed by the facilities at Hazelwood and the new stadium taking shape in west London, so as a player, it is an exciting time to be joining the club,” he said.
London Irish’s director of rugby and former Ireland head coach Declan Kidney also commented on the move saying he is also looking forward to Kepu joining their set-up.
“We look forward to welcoming Sekope Kepu to London Irish in the New Year after he fulfils his ARU commitments. He will bring valuable experience to our front-row and having proved himself at the highest level, we are excited to have him join us here at Hazelwood,” he said.
London Irish secured promotion after winning the Greene King IPA Championship this season and have been looking ahead to the future ever since.
It has also been reported that London Irish may look to add another Wallaby in Adam Coleman to their squad before next season along with former Irish and Ulster out-half Paddy Jackson and All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo. A massive summer of rebuilding has started for London Irish and we will have to wait and see who else they sign over the coming months.
