Toulouse player signs for Exiles

London Irish have signed flanker Aidan McCullen from Toulouse on a two-year deal as a back-row replacement for Paul Gustard, who has moved to Saracens.

McCullen, 29, has made 14 appearances for French giants Toulouse this season and he brings valuable experience to the Exiles ahead of next year’s Heineken Cup campaign.

“We need strength in depth in all positions, this will be especially important if we are to compete in the Heineken Cup,” said Brian Smith, London Irish’s director of rugby.

“Aidan McCullen is an excellent player who has shown his class in Ireland and France with Leinster and Toulouse.

“He has played at the top level in Europe and that experience will be invaluable to us. Aidan’s Irish background is a bonus, we’re obviously very keen to retain our historic links with Ireland.”

Gustard left for Saracens along with Exiles centre Rodd Penney and promising young fly-half Ross Laidlaw.