London Irish have announced that inside centre Guy Armitage has committed to the Madejski Stadium outfit for the next two seasons.
Armitage left the club at the end of last season to join his brothers, Steffon and Delon, at the French giants Toulon. He re-signed for London Irish earlier this season and has been a regular feature in the Irish midfield ever since.
Standing 6'5" and weighing 115kgs, Armitage is an imposing figure on the rugby field and his size and strength has seen him as a threat in both attack and defence. He has played 12 times for Irish this season to add to his total of 21 games.
"Guy Armitage is fast becoming one of the most dynamic power centres in the country," said London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith.
"He's a genuine Premiership player with the ability to go on and play for England like his two older brothers. Guy has forced his way into the starting team this season and if he keeps performing may well be considered for England's summer tour of Argentina."
Armitage said: "I have really enjoyed my rugby since I returned to London Irish from Toulon. I have come through the ranks with a number of these players and enjoy playing with them week in week out. I look forward to pushing on as a player and with the club over the next few seasons."
Comments
shrimps says...
poor steffon. he really didnt do very well with the genetics of the family. at least he has great skill.
Posted 11:57 07th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Depth at centre for England. Am I dreaming? London Irish need all the Armitages this season. Irish will recover as they are clean re pending salary cap scandal but till then they need to stay up.
Posted 11:31 07th February 2013
GoWalesGo says...
A mate of mine (he's English, so no bias!) has played against him told me that he's a limited bosh merchant sort of like Jamie Roberts, which isn't too bad i suppose but his offloading was never really a feature of his game even in the under age teams.
Posted 05:19 07th February 2013
JamieTheProp says...
@ APV1 - agree with you - but the more tested centre options we have (and I think that is what the Saxons is for) the better - injuries can be cruel.
Really feels like we have a lot of young players coming through now and it is very exciting! We also have someone in charge who seems capable of bringing them through sensibly! Could this actually be the dawn of something good for England?
I think we have pretty much had to start from scratch but hopefully we are now back on the upward slope - time will tell!
Posted 01:00 07th February 2013
APV1 says...
I'd like him to have a run with the Saxons and see whether he can make the intial step up. Or, as suggested above, to Argentina with a diluted England team.
@ Frooschman - we've both watch Bananaman play for club and country and you have to agree, he's not EPS standard. Saxons, perhaps, but as was mentioned on another thread, is that what the Saxons is for - the not-quites..? I'd like GA tested in the Saxons and then, if good enough, into the EPS. 36 and MT, with BB on the bench (or whatever SL goes for), is a pretty darned-good combo in itself. Do we need another big crasher?
And could Guy also persuade his brother Steffon to come home too, please?
Posted 17:31 06th February 2013
Frooschman says...
Dear God. Can you imagine this kid and Tuilagi in the middle for England?!
Posted 13:47 06th February 2013