Lamb delight at London Irish switch

Ryan Lamb has moved to Guinness Premiership finalists London Irish to breathe new life into his England ambitions.

The 23-year-old was released by Gloucester as part of the Cherry and Whites’ summer clearout after being written off by Kingsholm boss Dean Ryan.

Lamb was among those blasted by Ryan for not being good enough to compete at the highest level after Gloucester were thumped by the Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup final.

But Lamb fired a parting shot at Ryan by declaring London Irish is the best place for him to fulfil his potential and break into the England squad.

“I’m very excited about joining a great club like London Irish and to working with Toby Booth, Mike Catt and the players there,” said Lamb, who has signed a two-year deal.

“I’m sure the way London Irish plays the game will help me to develop my style of play and provide a chance to gain international honours.

“I’m also looking forward to the change of lifestyle that living in London will involve.”

London Irish player-coach Mike Catt believes the Exiles will offer Lamb the right environment to help him meet those internationals goals.

“Ryan Lamb is a massively talented guy. Unfortunately at Gloucester he hasn’t been able to express his ability on the pitch,” said Catt.

“He has been quite one-dimensional on the way Gloucester want to play – but the way we play at London Irish he will have the ability to come out and express and do what he wants.

“Ryan Lamb is only 23 years old. He has had a lot of pressure on his shoulders over the last three or four years. Everyone expected him to the next England 10, to take Gloucester to the top and he hasn’t really had anybody to learn from.

“Here is coming in under myself and (fellow new signing) Chris Malone. He has got a relationship with (director of rugby) Toby Booth from the England Saxons.

“His skill set is absolutely brilliant and we haven’t seen enough of him. Hopefully at London Irish he will be able to do that.”

Lamb may have had his issues off the field in recent years but London Irish boss Toby Booth coached him with the England Saxons last summer and has no concerns about his character.

“Sometimes you have to break out of your comfort zone and leave familiar surroundings if you are going to progress your career,” said Booth.

“Ryan and Paul Hodgson were room-mates on the Churchill Cup. It is important to know what character you are getting as well as what kind of rugby player.

“Paul was influential in Ryan coming here in terms of his character reference. It has been bandied around there have been a few fracas etc. Everyone makes a mistake on occasion.

“Maybe the fact he is a local boy and he is locally known – maybe moving him into a different environment will suit him.”