MATT Symons was named London Irish Player of the Season when the club held their annual end-of-season awards night at Hazlewood on Thursday.

The powerful second row – who joined from Waikato Chiefs last summer – made 23 appearances for Exiles and was a mainstay of the pack during a difficult campaign.

Former Redingensians Rams colt Johnny Williams was named as Young Player of the Season after racking up an impressive seven tries in 21 outings.

The 19-year-old – who signed a two-year contract extension last season and who will be representing England at the World Under 20s World Cup next month – enjoyed an outstanding campaign.

Luke Narraway was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season, the former England international having skippered Exiles for the majority of the season. The 32-year-old former England international led by example and – having agreed to stay next season – will provide invaluable experience and leadership.

London Irish legend Justin Bishop was inducted into the club’s hall of fame.

Scoring twice in Exiles’ Powergen Cup Final triumph over Northampton Saints in 2002, Bishop was capped 25 times by Ireland.

Try of the Season went to Alex Lewington for his score during the Premiership clash with Saracens in New York earlier this year.

The West Sussex-born flyer, who spent 13 years at Irish as a player, was also part of the club’s coaching set-up after calling time on his career.

  • LONDON Irish have strengthened their Senior Academy with the addition of five players ahead of the 2016-2017 campaign.

Ross Neal, Harry Elrington, Connor Murphy and Joe Cockanasiga have all re-signed, while Matt Williams, Tom Parton, Rory Brand, Isaac Curtis Harris and Matt Kouris have all joined.

Cockanasiga, Williams, Parton, Brand and Kouris, who were all part of the Exiles’ under-18s side that defeated Gloucester to be crowned Premiership Rugby champions earlier this year, have each represented England at age group level.

Academy Director Nick Kennedy said: “We have a talented group of players here at the club who are all hungry to develop their rugby with London Irish.

“It’s great to welcome a group of players who are passionate about playing for London Irish. Johnny Williams and Theo Brophy Clews have now become full first-team squad members which is what the Academy process is all about.

“They have set the benchmark for any academy player harbouring ambitions of progressing through to the senior set-up.”