All Black Prop Boosts Exiles' Front Row Resources

<1r>London Irish's determination to develop its forwards' resources received a big boost today (3rd May) with the announcement that the All Black prop, Clarke Dermody, will join the club. The twenty-seven year old has signed a two year contract and will start with the Exiles at the end of the Air New Zealand Cup tournament.

Dermody was capped by New Zealand last year against Ireland (twice) and England, the latter game was the All Blacks record defeat of their hosts at Twickenham on the 5th November. The prop has made 31 appearances in the Super 12/14 series for Otago Highlanders and 79 for his province, Southland which he captained in 2004.

London Irish's Director of Rugby Brian Smith said: 'We've been tracking Clarke since England's game with the All Blacks at Twickenham last November. He is an outstanding front row exponent with great technique and experience. At the age of 27 he is just coming into his prime as a prop forward; that combined with his previous leadership role as captain of Southland, makes him a natural successor to Neal Hatley.'

Commenting on his move, Clarke said: 'I'm really looking forward to my involvement with London Irish. I've heard great things about the club from a player's perspective and also the family culture that exists there. From what I can see they are a team that gives it everything on the field and that suits me fine!

'I'm sad to be leaving rugby in NZ which has been very good to me however, it's time for a new experience,' Clarke continued. 'I want to test myself in the other top club competition in world rugby and to rub shoulders and play against players of top quality week in, week out.'

Dermody added that he still has some unfinished business in New Zealand and while he hopes to be in the All Blacks squad for Tri-Nations and the Rugby World Cup, he also has his sights set on assisting Southland Stags in this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition.

Clarke will be accompanied by his wife, Sarah and eight month old son, Carter when he comes to England.

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