NEW DEAL: Tonks next to commit

The retention drive continues at London Irish, with Greig Tonks the latest player to sign on the dotted line as the campaign intensifies.

The 27-year-old, who has been capped six times by Scotland, is closing in on 100 points for Irish having played 38 times for the club since making the move from Edinburgh in 2016.

Cutting his teeth in professional rugby at Leicester Tigers, Tonks had a stint with Northampton Saints prior to his move to Edinburgh where he made 79 appearances.

Possessing a neat skill-set coupled with an intelligent kicking game, Tonks has demonstrated his versatility by featuring both at fly-half and full-back this season.

“London Irish is an ambitious, forward thinking club which I really want to be a part of,” said Tonks.

“The unity within the squad at the moment is superb and we’re all working hard every day in order to achieve the immediate goal of promotion back to the Premiership.”

“We have a lot of experience within the squad and Greig is one of those players who brings expertise to the field of play,” said Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy, who has guided Irish to top spot in the Greene King IPA Championship.

“Greig has performed well this season, and I know he will be keen to go from strength to strength going into the end of season play-offs.”

 “It’s important that we build on the platform that we’ve set ourselves and take each game at a time.”

London Irish's next home game is against Rotherham Titans at 3pm on 8 April. Tickets are available from 0118 968 1016 or purchase online here www.lidirect.co.uk