Exiles sign backs

London Irish have made two signings as cover for the first half of next season.

Australian Tim Curran, who can play full-back or centre, joins the Exiles after emerging through ACT Brumbies’ academy in Canberra, while Newbury centre Mark Ireland has also linked up with Irish.

Exiles rugby director Brian Smith said: “At this stage, we don’t know how many of our talented backs we will lose for the duration of the World Cup.

“We have to plan for their absence, which is why we’ve taken the opportunity to sign these two talented players.”