Former All Black second row Bryn Evans, 26, is a strong athletic forward who has signed a two year deal with London Irish.

The signing of the Hurricanes lock forward will add further strength to the London Irish pack for this season.

Evans' ability to get around the park and to score tries, whilst also being impressive at lineout and set-piece time makes him a big asset for the Exiles for the next two seasons.

Evans, who played for Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's domestic provincial competition made his All Black debut in the two home series test matches against France in 2009, before a back injury kept him sidelined for the international and domestic (Air New Zealand Cup) campaign.

The New Zealander stands 196cm and weighs 115kg, was signed by the Hurricanes in 2009 after an impressive domestic season with Hawke's Bay where he was the heart and soul of the team that reached the Air New Zealand Cup semi-finals. Evans continued his good form in his rookie Hurricanes season, earning 11 caps including three in the starting XV. In 2010 Evans played in all 13 of the Hurricanes matches including eight starts at lock forward.

Evans played for the Blues in the 2008 Super 14 and has previously represented the New Zealand Secondary Schools in 2002, New Zealand Divisional XV in 2005 and the New Zealand Juniors.