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'A no-brainer to extend': Arundell agrees to new London Irish deal

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Teen sensation Henry Arundell has committed to an unspecified length, long-term contract at London Irish. It was May 13, after the initial wave of hype has materialised about the 19-year-old, when the Gallagher Premiership club’s director of rugby Declan Kidney insisted to RugbyPass that the scorer of that incredible length-of-field try at Toulon in the Challenge Cup wouldn’t be going anywhere for the foreseeable future.

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“We have never divulged contract situations of different players but he is here with us,” said the DoR when asked last month about the youngster’s future in the coming seasons. Having since been called up by Eddie Jones and taken part in two England camps ahead of their June 19 fixture versus the Barbarians, the profile of Arundell has increased even more.

However, unlike Phil Cokanasiga, the 20-year-old who has quit London Irish for Leicester next season, Arundell believes his future is best served with the Exiles and has now agreed to a new contract. A club statement read: “London Irish is delighted to confirm the signature of full-back Henry Arundell to a long-term contract with the club.

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“Arundell has had a stellar inaugural season with the Exiles’ first team, making 14 appearances in green whilst scoring seven tries. He started life at Hazelwood as a 14-year-old, joining the academy whilst studying at the Harrow School to go on and win the U18 Academy League title.

“Making his Irish debut in a 29-20 win against Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup last November, Arundell has since attained his first playing berths and scored in the Gallagher Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup.

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“The 19-year-old has also continued his development in the England international set-up, making his debut in the U20s side in their 2022 Six Nations campaign, becoming the joint-highest try-scorer in the tournament with four. The Irish prospect played an instrumental role in the club’s domestic and continental cup runs this season, contributing scores to vital try bonus points in the pool stages of each tournament whilst registering a brace against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final.

“Arundell was nominated for the Rugby Players Association’s 15 U23 award for April and was the player of the match in the comeback Irish draw against Wasps in round 24 of the Gallagher Premiership. Henry was also crowned the Land Rover discovery of the season at the 2021/22 Premiership Rugby end-of-season awards.”

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Kidney said: “Henry has given a good account of himself during his first season with senior rugby. He has worked hard on the training pitch, and we have seen his efforts pay off. We are delighted that his development will continue with London Irish, and we are excited to help him on his journey.”

Arundell added: “It was a no-brainer to extend my time at London Irish. The club has given me so much already in my young career and I want to repay their faith in me in the years to come. With the squad and coaches that we have at London Irish, the future is exciting and I’m very happy to get the chance to be a part of it.”

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H
Hellhound 10 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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