London Irish have announced that lock Sebastian De Chaves, prop Ollie Hoskins and hooker Dave Porecki have all signed new contracts with the club.
De Chaves, 27, joined the Exiles from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2016/17 season and played a key role in helping Irish make an immediate return to the Premiership.
Winner of the Players’ Player of the Season award at the end of last term, the abrasive South African has taken his game to new heights under the guidance of director of rugby Nick Kennedy.
Scoring four tries in 30 appearances for Irish, the former Springbok U20 international is impressed with the long-term ambition of the club.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at London Irish and I’m delighted to have committed my future to the club,” De Chaves told London Irish's official website.
“We are relishing the challenge of the Aviva Premiership, a competition which I consider to be the most competitive in the Northern Hemisphere.
“We have shown this season that we’re more than capable of performing at the highest level and we now need to continue working hard towards the goal of cementing our place in the Aviva Premiership.”
Exiles’ boss Nick Kennedy, who was a mainstay of Irish’s second row for more than a decade, said: “We’re very pleased that Sebastian sees his future with London Irish and his decision to re-sign is a big boost for the club.
“He’s a real asset to the pack and his infectious personality in the changing room has been invaluable ever since he joined us.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him kick on in a London Irish jersey.”
Australian prop Hoskins has been in fine form of late and was a try scorer against Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on Saturday.
Making the move to Irish from Western Force ahead of the 2016/17 season, the 24-year-old English qualified front row has made 32 appearances for the Exiles.
“I’m thrilled to have extended my contract with London Irish, a club that is steeped in history and tradition,” said Hoskins.
“I feel that my game has improved significantly since joining the club last year and I’m excited at the prospect of continuing my playing career at here.”
“Ollie has applied himself well during his time with us and his work ethic and attitude have been superb,” said Kennedy.
“When called upon Ollie has always given us 100 per cent and his commitment to the club has been exemplary.”
Bringing considerable experience to the Exiles’ pack, Porecki competes with David Paice, Saia Fainga’a Tom Woolstencroft and Todd Gleave for a starting berth.
“There’s massive potential for London Irish to thrive as a club and I’m delighted to have extended my contract,” said Porecki.
“I’m relishing the competition for places and my main focus at the moment is on playing regular first team rugby.”
Kennedy said: “Dave is a quality player who adds depth to our forward pack and I’m very pleased that he’s pledged his future to the club.”
The post London Irish forward trio pen new deals appeared first on Planet Rugby.