London Irish have confirmed the signing of Paddy Jackson.
The 25-cap Ireland international joins after a year with Perpignan in which the club finished bottom of the Top 14.
Jackson will join a side heading in the oppositive direction. London Irish finished top of English rugby's second tier this season, earning promotion back to the Premiership.
The club have done so with former Munster head coach Declan Kidney as Director of Rugby and former Ireland defence coach Les Kiss as head coach.
"Players of the calibre of Paddy Jackson do not become available very often and both myself and Les are looking forward to working with him in the future,” said Kidney.
He is a player with proven international quality who we feel will add value to our squad, and it is pleasing that Paddy sees London Irish as a part of his future.
Jackson joined Perpignan on a two-year deal last summer after being released by Ulster. The province did so after Jackson and Ulster teammate Stuart Olding were found not guilty of raping the same woman in 2016. The IRFU and Ulster subsequently held a review regarding the conduct of both players, the result of which was both players being cut loose.
The 26-year-old had a release clause in his contract which allowed him to leave Perpignan early if they were relegated.
"I’m delighted to be joining London Irish next season at such an exciting and pivotal time for everyone involved with the club," said Jackson.
"London Irish have a clear vision for where they want to be and I look forward to being part of it."
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
