Premiership rivals raid Irish gems
BATH have confirmed the signing of London Irish wing Joe Cokanasiga on a three-year deal.
Cokanasiga, part of Eddie Jones’ traing squad in Brighton this week, said: “It’s tough to leave Irish, however I feel the environment at Bath is exactly what I need to grow and develop as a player, and ultimately achieve my international ambitions.”
Bath have also signed Yorkshire Carnegie halfback Alex Davies and prop Beno Obano has signed a new three-year contract with Todd Blackadder’s side.
Another of London Irish’s top youngsters, Johnny Williams, has signed for Newcastle. He said: “The biggest factor for me was the style of play that Newcastle are showing this season, and how well they’re going.”
However Nili Latu will call time on his stay at Newcastle when the season ends, with the Tongan back rower returning to play in Japan.
Irish have bolstered their lineup for the Championship with second row Barney Maddison joining from Ealing. Northampton pair, fly-half Stephen Myler and centre Tom Stephenson, have also signed for the club, along with USA centre Bryce Campbell.
Argentina international Santiago Cordero has signed a one-year contract extension with Exeter Chiefs while Dragons have signed Samoa second row Brandon Nansen on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old joins the PRO14 club for the start of the 2018-19 season from Stade Francais.
Gloucester’s former All Black second row Jeremy Thrush, 33, has signed for Western Force. Thrush joins Australian prop Cameron Orr in making the move to Force from Gloucester.
Western Force were axed from Super Rugby at the end of last season but have a schedule of fixtures against national and regional representative teams this year including Japan and Tonga before playing in the National Rugby Championships.
Cornish Pirates have signed Dan Frost on a oneyear deal after he impressed on loan from Taunton.
Ealing have re-signed back rower Andrew Durutalo from Worcester Warriors on a long term deal. The 30year-old USA Eagles flanker played six times for Worcester this season but will now head back to Vallis Way for a second spell in the Championship.