Smith leaves the Welsh region for the bright lights of the Premiership

London Irish has signed Tom Smith from Ospreys on a two year deal the club can reveal this afternoon.

Smith, who was born in Bristol, has made 60 appearances for the Welsh region scoring two tries. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing just under 17 stones, he will bring plenty of physicality to the Irish back row as well as his experience of playing regularly in the RaboDirect PRO 12 competition and the Heineken Cup.

The 26 year-old has captained Wales at Under 21 level as well as the Ospreys when called upon. This will see him bring leadership qualities along with his rugby ability when he joins the club.

London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: “Tom’s ability to play at both blindside flanker and number 8 means he will add further to our back row options.  He is a top class defender that possesses very good set piece attributes.”

Commenting on his decision to sign for London Irish, Tom Smith said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ospreys but feel it is time to move on and I am keen to do this at London Irish. There are a few Welsh lads in the current London Irish squad who have gone on to be extremely successful in recent seasons and I hope to follow suit when I join this summer.”

Tom will join up with his new London Irish team mates for pre-season training in June. Away from rugby Tom has studied medicine at Cardiff University.