New signings for London Irish

London Irish’s recruitment drive has continued with the signing of hooker Robbie Russell and centre Rodd Penney for next season.

Russell, who has 19 caps for Scotland and featured during the World Cup, joins the Exiles after five years at Zurich Premiership rivals Saracens.

He is earmarked as a replacement for former Springbok hooker Naka Drotske who is to return home after three seasons at the Madejski Stadium.

New Zealand-born Penney, 24, has been lured from Orrell following an impressive season with the National League One runners-up. He has represented England in the IRB World Sevens.

The signings follow the arrival of England Under-21 scrum-half Paul Hodgson and Bristol front row forward Richard Skuse.