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Veteran Australia prop Sekope Kepu will join London Irish for the next Gallagher Premiership season, the club has announced. The Wallabies front row, who has won 103 senior international caps, will leave Super Rugby's New South Wales Waratahs where he has spent more than 11 years of his career. He enjoyed a short spell with Bordeaux in the Top 14 during the 2015/16 season, and became the only Australian prop to reach a century of international appearances in October 2018. "I'm excited at the opportunity to join London Irish as they return back to the Premiership next season," Kepu said. "I was very impressed by the facilities at Hazelwood and the new stadium taking shape in west London, so as a player, it is an exciting time to be joining the club." London Irish will be aiming to secure a future in the top flight after winning promotion from the Greene King IPA Championship this season. "We look forward to welcoming Sekope Kepu to London Irish in the New Year after he fulfills his Australian Rugby Union commitments," director of rugby Declan Kidney said. "He will bring valuable experience to our front-row and having proved himself at the highest level, we are excited to have him join us here at Hazelwood." The club also announced the signing of Ireland international Paddy Jackson for the 2019-20 campaign. The fly-half, 26, who has won 25 international caps, will leave French side Perpignan and be reunited with head coach Less Kiss who worked alongside him both with Ireland and Ulster. "I'm delighted to be joining London Irish next season at such an exciting and pivotal time for everyone involved with the club" Jackson said in a statement. "London Irish have a clear vision for where they want to be and I look forward to being part of it."
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