Date: Fri 28 Dec 2012

London Irish has signed scrum half Patrick Phibbs on a short term contract until the end of the season.

31-year-old Phibbs, joins from Leicester Tigers to provide injury cover for Ireland International Tomás O’Leary.

A product of Waverley College in Sydney, Phibbs has made five appearances for Leicester in 2012 after playing more than 70 games in Super Rugby with the Brumbies.

Patrick also had a short spell with Exeter Chiefs during the 2011-12 season making three appearances.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “With Tomás sidelined for what could be the remainder of the season we’ve been proactive in signing Pat Phibbs. I worked with Pat at the Brumbies and have great respect for his ability. He’s an experienced scrum half, good organiser and strong defender. He also has knowledge of the English season so he’s a pretty good fit for us.

“Both Darren Allinson and Jack Moates have stepped up since Tomás was injured but they are still young so it makes sense to bring in an experienced player,” Smith added. “We’ve got at least 16 matches left in our season so there’ll be plenty of rugby for all three scrum halves.”

Patrick Phibbs - Biographical Details

Date of Birth 16th October 1981
Birthplace Sydney, NSW, Australia
Height 1.80m (5ft 11in)
Weight 88kg (13st 12lb)