James Marshall to London Irish: Exiles sign Hurricanes fly-half

London Irish, who are fighting for their Premiership future, made a major statement of intent today by signing Hurricanes fly-half James Marshall.

The 27-year-old, who can also operate at full-back, played a key role in the Hurricanes reaching the Super Rugby Final in 2015 and has been named in their squad for the 2016 campaign ahead of moving to Reading in the summer.

Irish head of rugby operations Glenn Delaney said: “James possesses great game management skills and I am sure that the experience he has gained from being at Hurricanes will be invaluable to us at London Irish.”

Marshall added: “ The plans in place at the Club are very exciting and it is an environment I am looking forward to being a part of. I know Tom Coventry and Clark Laidlaw well from coaching in New Zealand and I am impressed by the ambition and vision and where they see the Club going. I look forward to joining the club next summer.”

Irish are bottom of the Aviva Premiership, two points behind Newcastle who they host on Sunday.