London Irish is pleased to announce the signings of Wales and Ospreys centre Jonathan Spratt on a one-year contract and scrum half Ross Samson from Edinburgh Rugby on a two-year contract.
Jonathan, 25, has represented Wales at all levels and made his international debut in 2009, appearing in Test matches against Canada and USA.
The 6’1” Welshman, who weighs 98kgs, is comfortable playing at both inside and outside centre and it is this versatility that will prove useful for the club next season. Jonathan, who also has a Law degree, played for Taranaki in New Zealand’s domestic rugby tournament, The Air New Zealand Cup, in 2008 receiving rave reviews.
Commenting on signing for the Exiles, Jonathan said: “I am very excited to be joining London Irish next season. They play an exciting brand of rugby that really appeals to me and hopefully my style will complement the players already at the club.”
London Irish head coach, Toby Booth said: “Jonathan is a highly talented young player and another very useful addition to our squad. He is a strong, powerful runner, with great feet and good distribution skills.”
Ross Samson, who has appeared for Scotland and been a very influential figure in every IRB 7’s circuit tournament this season, has also represented Scotland at all age group levels. The scrum half is an intelligent player whose snipping runs are among his trademark talents. He will join Paul Hodgson and Darren Allinson as an Exiles scrum half.
A History graduate from Newcastle University, Samson helped Tynedale to promotion to English National Two in 2009 and was a part of the Newcastle Falcons’