Aviva Premiership Rugby Football Union club the London Irish have announced that they have reached a deal with the Rugby Football Union Championship club the Rotherham Titans for the signing of hooker Tom Cruse for the new season and the player will join up with his new teammates in the summer.
The 26 year old has been playing in the Championship for the last two seasons after a previous spell with the Sale Sharks. The forward was given his first stint as a professional with Stockport and he has also represented Cheshire. Speaking about his proposed move to the top tier of English rugby, Cruse said that he has worked long and hard for a chance to play in the Aviva Premiership with one of the top teams and when the chance presented itself, it was an easy decision for him.
He went on add that with a new manager coming in at the start of the new season, there is a lot excitement about the London Irish and he just cannot wait to link up with his new team. However, for the time being, he is fully focussed on the Rotherham Titans and he wants to leave them on a high.
The RFU Championship has been a good breeding ground for talent acquired by the Exiles in recent seasons and the addition of Cruse to the squad is expected to continue that long tradition. The team has a good scouting network that spots talents in the RFU Championship which the club develops into stars.
Bob Casey, the director of operations at the London Irish was very happy with the signing of Cruse and referred to him as an emerging talent from the Championship. He added that his strong set piece play and dynamism around the park will add to the Exiles game.