Date: Fri 01 Mar 2013

London Irish is pleased to announce that loose head prop Tom Smallbone, 19, has re-signed with the club for a further three years.

Tom has been involved in the London Irish Amateur Club since the age of four and joined the Exiles Elite Player Development Group aged 14.

Unfortunately, Tom sustained a shoulder injury during 2012/13 pre-season which has ruled him out of the current campaign.

He has been involved in the England U18 set up and was part of the successful touring group that returned undefeated from Australia in August 2011. He attended Harrow School and made his A League debut against Gloucester away last season.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “Tom Smallbone is a terrific young prospect and we’re expecting him to develop into an Aviva Premiership player over the next few seasons. Tom's story is a fantastic one; he joined London Irish as a junior and may well play his entire professional career at the same club. It is a great example to all young players in our region.”

Tom Smallbone said: “I am delighted to sign a three year extension. This year has been extremely frustrating but I am looking forward to returning back stronger over the coming months.”