London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith believes the addition of British & Irish Lion Tom Court will prove a huge boost to an already formidable front-row at the Madejski Stadium.
The 33-year-old, who was called up to the Lions squad last summer as a injury cover, ended his eight-year affiliation with Ulster to join the Exiles for the 2014/15 season.
He is the centrepiece of an overhaul to Irish’s pack, with Scotland international Geoff Cross also arriving to strengthen the front three.
And Smith insists Court can make a big impact right from the off when the season starts in September.
“Halani (Aulika) coming back is like a new signing for us and Tom Court’s a big, big loosehead who is a great strength for us,” said Smith. “Geoff Cross played really well against South Africa for Scotland last month, so in the front-row we’ve added a lot of quality.
“So we’ve put a big emphasis on getting the tight five sorted but also adding more strength and depth to the back-row.
“We’re in pretty good shape – like all teams we want to get a fast start but we also recognise it’s a 22 round competition played over nine months, so you’ve got to have endurance as well.”
