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Saracens have confirmed the signing of Tom Parton from London Irish for the 2023/24 season. The 24-year-old England prospect, who was part of some national team training squads in the lead-up to the summer tour to Australia, has made more than 70 appearances for the Exiles. “I’m really excited about this new challenge,” he said.
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“To be joining a club like Saracens is an honour and privilege. To learn from the best players in the world is an opportunity I can’t wait to get stuck into, and I look forward to playing in front of such a great fan base.”
Saracens boss Mark McCall added: “Tom is a player that we have admired over recent years and we are delighted that he will be joining us. He is a very smart player who has excelled with London Irish and we believe he will continue to go from strength to strength over the coming years.”
Parton made his London Irish at the age of 18 when featuring against an Ospreys select team in the 2016/17 British and Irish Cup. His boss Declan Kidney said: “Tom has been a magnificent servant to London Irish in recent years and has been integral to helping the club reach new heights, as well being a fantastic mentor on the training ground at Hazelwood.
“I speak on behalf of the team when I say Tom leaving will be a loss for us, but I look forward to continuing our work with him for the rest of the season and I have every confidence that current members of our squad can step up when he leaves us at the end of the season.”
Parton added: “Having been here from the age of 13 London Irish is all I have known, it has helped guide, mould, and shape me into the man that I am today. However, the time has come for me to experience a change and embrace a new and exciting opportunity. To the coaches, physios, and background staff at the club, thank you for all of your tireless work.
“Through all the ups and downs that this sport throws at us, you have always supported me. A massive thanks must also go to my teammates… And finally, to the London Irish supporters, without your tireless support, none of this would even be possible.
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“The constant noise and passion that you have brought is something that has blown me away from my first day here, and I know that there is still much more to cheer about on the club’s journey. London Irish will always be a special club to me so thank you all for making a childhood dream of mine come true.”
