Gilsenan joins London Irish

Conor Gilsenan has signed a professional contract with London Irish for next season.

The Mullingar native, who is currently on loan at Connacht, joins the London club's growing Irish contingent from Leinster, where he captained their ‘A’ team to the B & I Cup last season.

The highly rated back row, who also captained Clongowes Wood to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup title in 2011, says that he is “excited at the challenge of moving across to London Irish to play in the Premiership”.

It’s a competitive league with some great players and I feel it is the right time to make the move. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leinster and would like to thank everyone for what they have done for me during my time with the club.”

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith says that the 21 year old will add to the strength in depth of the first team squad.

“Conor is a really promising player and a back rower who plays with enormous intensity. He is a quality player and a good professional.”