London Scottish sign forces rugby players in new partnership with Royal Navy

Three Royal Navy men's rugby union players have signed for London Scottish as part of a new partnership with the maritime service.

Leading Seaman (Electronic Warfare) Tam Lindsay, Air Engineering Technician Jack Wright and Lieutenant Declan Johnson have joined up with the team based in Richmond, London.

LS (EW) Lindsay plays in the front row and plied his trade for Havant RFC last season in National 2.

• Forces rugby union stars set to star in the Championship after summer moves
• Army senior men's rugby league team deliver impressive display against Crosfields
• Army Rugby Union head off for historic tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji hoping for glory

AET Wright, who is a hooker, broke through into the senior Navy side last year and scored two tries at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham as the Army won 43 – 42 with a last-gasp try.

"Teaming up with the Navy and bringing a few of their players on board is incredibly exciting for us," said London Scottish head coach Joe Gray.

Lt Johnson operates as a second row and coaches the Royal Navy U23s while also playing for the Navy senior team.

The second row was on the bench this year when the Navy got their revenge over the Army, winning 37 – 33.

"To have the opportunity to push myself further at a team with clear ambitions and strong connections to my home country, it seemed only right to sign for Scottish," LS (EW) Lindsay said on the London Scottish website.

"Excited for the coming challenges."

Alongside the Navy signings, the Exiles have brought in Army player Lance Corporal Solodrau Radianirova from the Rams, the National 1 side, for the season too.

LCpl Radianirova started at full-back and scored a try against the Navy this year in the Army's loss.

He got his first cap for the British Army two years ago and has international experience with Fiji on the World 7s circuit.

"Solodrau is an immensely talented player," said Bryan Redpath, London Scottish's director of rugby.

"He can play multiple positions and is a hell of a threat with ball in hand. He is going to have a major impact this season."

Royal Navy captain, Captain Jarrard Hayler, currently plays in the Champ with Hartpury RFC.

Last season, Scottish finished ninth in the table with 51 points from their 22 games.

London Scottish open their Champ rugby season away at Caldy on 4 October.