HURRICANES UTILITY BACK James Marshall has agreed a move to the English Premiership’s bottom club, London Irish, for next season season.
The 27-year-old will feature in his fourth Super Rugby campaign with the Hurricanes before taking on a new challenge with the Exiles.
Marshall, who played his part in the Wellington side’s run to the Super Rugby final last year, is comfortable playing at out-half or at fullback and popped up to finish some sparkling ‘Canes tries in 2015 – though this one, finished with a deft touch of his right boot, was chalked off for a forward pass.
“I’m looking forward to joining up with London Irish next year,” the Taranaki club man said today.
“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’m impressed by the ambition and vision for where they see the club going.
“I look forward to joining the club next summer.”
London Irish head of rugby operations Glenn Delaney said: “James signing is a huge statement of where we want to take this team next season.
“He has been an important member of the Hurricanes squad over the last few years and the experience he has gained from being in their environment will be invaluable to us at London Irish.”
The Exiles are bottom of the Premiership after winning just one of their first eight games, but are second in European Challenge Cup Pool Five following two wins out of four.
