Ruan Botha signs for London Irish

London Irish have today confirmed the signing of Sharks second row forward Ruan Botha.

The 27-year-old will initially join the Exiles on a six-month contract acting as Rugby World Cup cover.

“Ruan being available during the Rugby World Cup period is a major boost to us, commented Declan Kidney, London Irish director of rugby.

"He has a lot of top-class rugby experience and will also bring a lot more to the squad in terms of his leadership qualities.”

Following a spell with Kubota Spears in Japan, he will then re-join London Irish for pre-season in June 2020 in preparation for the 2020/21 campaign at the club’s Brentford Community Stadium.

The South African lock, who has made 64 appearances in Super Rugby, has also captained the Sharks.

He joins Allan Dell, Adam Coleman, Sean O’Brien, Nick Phipps, Sekope Kepu, Paddy Jackson, Curtis Rona, Waisake Naholo and Will Goodrick-Clarke in signing for the Exiles.