Exiles agree van der Welt deal

London Irish have signed South African hooker James van der Walt on a short-term contract.

The Golden Lions forward will join an Irish squad currently deprived of injured hooker Adrian Flavin, while Robbie Russell has international commitments with Scotland.

Van der Walt is a South Africa Under-21 international who made his Super 12 debut in 2003.

“At this time of year, when the availability of quality players is limited, we are delighted to have signed a player of James’ ability,” said Irish managing director Conor O’Shea.

“He will play an important role in our squad over the next four months before he returns to South Africa to join the Lions.”