London Irish today announced the addition of five current school players to their Senior Academy for the 2016/17 season.
An incredible four players from the outstanding Wellington College, who have won the Daily Mail Trophy in back to back years, will join the set up.
Centre Matt Williams, fly half/full back Tom Parton, scrum half Rory Brand, and back row Isaac Curtis-Harris all join the London Irish professional ranks.
In addition Seaford College hooker Matt Kouris will also join the Senior Academy, have impressed alongside the others as part of the London Irish U18 side that took the U18 Premiership title.
It is a promising time for the Irish academy, despite the 1st XV having been relegated to the Championship. This current group joins another promising group of youngsters who have all resigned for another year in the Academy, Ross Neal, Harry Elrington, Connor Murphy, and Joe Cockanasiga, who was also part of the victorious U18 side.
All nine of the players will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Johnny Williams and Theo Brophy-Clews, who will both be in action with England at the World Rugby U20 Championships. Both players signed pro terms last summer, but quickly went on to prove vital components in the 1st XV squad this season.
Speaking at the announcement of the new contracts, the London Irish Academy Director, Nick Kennedy, said:
“We have a talented group of players here at the club who are all hungry to develop their rugby with London Irish. It’s great to welcome a group of players who are passionate about playing for London Irish. Johnny Williams and Theo Brophy Clews have now become full first team squad members which is what the Academy process is all about. They have set the benchmark for any academy player harbouring ambitions of progressing through to the senior set-up.”
