Collins wings in to Irish as stars call time

NEWS EXTRA

LONDON Irish have confirmed the signing of winger Tom Collins from Northampton for next season.

The 28-year-old, below, who came through Saints’ youth academy, has made 145 appearances and scored 50 tries for the club since making his senior debut in 2013.

Saracens have signed Leicester loosehead Tom West. The 27-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions since joining Tigers in January. West, a World U20 Championship winner with England in 2016, had previously played for Wasps.

Saracens back row Jackson Wray will retire at the end of the season. Wray recently became just the fifth man to make over 300 appearances for the club. The 32-yearold, right, has won four Premiership titles and three European trophies. Newcastle have signed centre Cameron Hutchinson from Edinburgh on a twoyear deal from next season. The Birmingham-born 24-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Scottish outfit since his debut against Ulster in June 2021. Hutchison, who played for Scotland up to U20 level, also had a stint in France with Stade Nicois.

Falcons have also signed Coventry flanker Josh Bainbridge, 27, and Bristol hooker Bryan Byrne, 29, on two-year deals. Fly-half Owen Williams, 31, has signed a contract to remain with the Ospreys. Bath second row Quinn Roux has extended his stay at The Rec. The 16-cap Ireland international, initially signed as injury cover for Charlie Ewels, has himself been restricted to nine appearances because of injury problems.

Sale captain Jono Ross will retire at the end of this season.

The back rower, who joined in 2017 from Stade Francais, will return to his native South Africa. Ross, 32, has played more than 150 games for Sale.

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw will take up a coaching role when he hangs up his boots this summer. The 37-year-old scrumhalf, who won 76 caps, is currently playing in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks.