London Irish sign Hurricanes fly-half Marshall

London Irish have confirmed the signing of the Hurricanes' fly-half James Marshall for the 2016-17 season.

The 27-year-old was a critical component in the Hurricanes side that reached the 2015 Super Rugby Final and has since been named onto the Wellington-based franchise's roster for the upcoming 2016 Super Rugby campaign.

Marshall, who will be entering his fourth season with the Hurricanes and has 30 appearances in Super Rugby to his name, started his ITM career back in 2008 with Tasman. Marshall then spent a season with Italian side Aironi before returning to New Zealand to join Taranaki in 2012. During his time with Taranaki, Marshall captained the team to their maiden ITM Cup Championship in 2014.

Commenting on signing for the Club, James said: “I’m looking forward to joining up with London Irish next year. The plans in place at the Club are very exciting and it is an environment I am looking forward to being a part of.

I know Tom Coventry and Clark Laidlaw well from coaching in New Zealand and I’m impressed by the ambition and vision for where they see the Club going. I look forward to joining the club next summer.”

London Irish Head of Rugby Operations, Glenn Delaney, said: “James signing is a huge statement of where we want to take this team next season. He is comfortable at both fly half and full back and possesses great game management skills.

He has been an important member of the Hurricanes squad over the last few years and the experience he has gained from being in their environment will be invaluable to us at London Irish.”

The former New Zealand 7s player will join up with London Irish before the 2016-17 season once his commitments with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes franchise end.