Former London Irish back row Tom Pearson to join Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of former London Irish back row Tom Pearson ahead of the 2023/24 season.

A product of London Irish Academy, Pearson made his senior club debut with the club in 2021 and went on to make 39 appearances for the club scoring 10 tries.

He was named the Premiership’s Breakthrough Player of the Season and the RPA’s Young Player of the Season in the 2022/23 campaign.

Prior to his association with London Irish, the 23-year-old made 28 BUCS Super Rugby appearances, 14 Welsh Championship appearances, and was named in the BUCS Super Rugby Team of the Year while playing for Cardiff Metropolitan University.

“Northampton is a massive rugby town and Saints are blessed with a huge fanbase," he told the club's official website.

"It’s the best pitch to play on and the stadium has one of the best atmospheres in the Premiership, so I’m really looking forward to that side of it, but I also have some family based in Northamptonshire so it’s already a home away from home for me.

“I’ll always be incredibly grateful to London Irish and treasure my time there. They gave me a shot two years ago coming out of university, when I was an unknown and probably a bit of a risk.

"It’s tragic to not know the true potential of that team we had, but I want to thank all the players, staff, and the fans for everything they gave me over the last two years and for helping me create lifelong memories.”