Harlequins have secured the signings of three former London Irish players: Will Joseph, Lovejoy Chawatama, and Chandler Cunningham-South. This acquisition comes after London Irish’s suspension from the Premiership.
Will Joseph, a 20-year-old English center, has already earned two caps for the national team and is part of Steve Borthwick’s World Cup training squad. Having emerged from the Exiles’ academy, Joseph made his senior debut in 2020. Expressing gratitude to the fans, coaches, and staff of London Irish, Joseph acknowledged the challenging past few months for the club.
Lovejoy Chawatama, a 30-year-old prop originally from Zimbabwe, joined London Irish in 2017. He featured in 18 Premiership matches for the club during the previous season. Prior to his time at London Irish, Chawatama also played for London Scottish and London Welsh.
Chandler Cunningham-South, a 20-year-old versatile forward who can play as a flanker or number eight, joined the Exiles’ Academy in 2022. He made his senior debut in May 2022 and went on to impress with 19 Premiership appearances, scoring three tries. Cunningham-South has represented England in the Under-20 Six Nations and has been selected for the upcoming U20 World Championships.
Billy Millard, the newly appointed director of rugby for Harlequins, expressed his satisfaction in welcoming Joseph, Chawatama, and Cunningham-South to the club, offering them an opportunity to continue their careers in the Premiership. Chawatama conveyed his appreciation for London Irish, emphasizing the special place the club holds in his heart. Similarly, Cunningham-South expressed excitement for the fresh opportunity at Harlequins while expressing gratitude to everyone at London Irish for their support.
In a separate signing, former London Irish fly-half Jennings has joined Newcastle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby signings
Who are the players Harlequins signed from London Irish?
Harlequins signed three players from London Irish: Will Joseph, Lovejoy Chawatama, and Chandler Cunningham-South.
What positions do these players play?
Will Joseph is a center, Lovejoy Chawatama is a prop, and Chandler Cunningham-South is a versatile forward who can play as a flanker or number eight.
Has Will Joseph represented England?
Yes, Will Joseph has been capped twice by England and is part of Steve Borthwick’s World Cup training squad.
How long did Lovejoy Chawatama play for London Irish?
Lovejoy Chawatama joined London Irish in 2017 and played for the club last season, making 18 Premiership appearances.
What is Chandler Cunningham-South’s background?
Chandler Cunningham-South joined the London Irish Academy in 2022 and made his senior debut in May 2022. He has also represented England in the Under-20 Six Nations and will participate in the upcoming U20 World Championships.
Which club has signed the former London Irish fly-half Jennings?
Newcastle has signed the ex-London Irish fly-half Jennings.
More about Rugby signings
- Harlequins Official Website
- London Irish Official Website
- England Rugby Official Website
- Newcastle Falcons Official Website
4 comments
whoa! will joseph already playd for england and now hez in quins?! datz awesome! luvjoy chwatama and chandler cunningham-south sound lik great additions too. cant wait 2 see them in action! #excited
big moves in premiership! harlequins snatchin up former london irish stars. wil josef, luvjoy chwatama, and chandler cunningham-south r sure 2 make an impact. let the rivalries begin! #premrugby #transfers
london irish losin some talent with dese signings. will joseph, luvjoy chwatama, and chandler cunningham-south wer alwayz gud players. hope dey hav success at harlequins. gonna miss dem in green! #londonirish
omg harlequins signed 3 former players from london irish! datz so kool! wil josef, luvjoy chwatama, and chandler cunningham-south. hope dey do gud! #rugby #signings