Coetzee joins Exiles

London Irish today completed the signing of former Springboks hooker Danie Coetzee.

And the Exiles have also swooped for New Zealand prop Michael Collins, who will join them this summer from Waikato Chiefs.

Coetzee, 28, has produced outstanding form for South African side the Blue Bulls during this season's Super 12 tournament, and the 14 times-capped forward is due to link up with Irish in November.

The 31-year-old Collins also boasts considerable Super 12 experience, with 76 appearances under his belt.

And their arrivals will bolster Irish front-row resources that currently include Neal Hatley, Rob Hardwick, Robbie Russell and Adrian Flavin.

“While the club has a talented set of forwards, there were times during last season when there was insufficient depth in key positions to ensure we were able to compete with the best,” said Exiles rugby director Brian Smith.

“The signings of the talented Coetzee and Collins are an initial step in addressing that problem and putting it right.”