All Black star Naholo tops London Irish £3m spree

LONDON IRISH are ready to spend more than £3million on new stars if they secure promotion to the Premiership today. Boosted by a cash injection after venture capitalists CVC bought a stake in Premiership Rugby, the Exiles will announce an international roster of players topped by All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo (above). They will also bring in Irish No 10 Paddy Jackson, who was sacked by Ulster last year, and Wallaby lock Adam Coleman. The Championship club will secure promotion with one game to spare if they beat Richmond today. They have already announced deals for Lions back rower Sean O’Brien and Wallaby duo Nick Phipps and Curtis Rona. CVC are also in talks about investing in the PRO14 and there have been discussions about an annual final between the PRO14 and Premiership. The Lions yesterday unveiled World Cup-winning England prop Jason Leonard as their new chairman, replacing Tom Grace. Leonard, 50, who won a record 114 England caps, toured with the Lions in 1993, 1997 and 2001, with his focus now on the 2021 series in South Africa. He said: ‘I look forward to working to make the 2021 Lions tour a success on and off the pitch.’ Ulster, Ireland and Lions hooker Rory Best will retire after the World Cup. The 36-year-old said: ‘This feels like the right time for me to go out on my terms, for which I feel privileged.’