Magne on a mission

By Mark Orlovac

Flanker Magne joins London Irish

It is fair to say that London Irish did not exactly set the Premiership alight last season.

With the worst try-scoring record in the competition, the Exiles ended up just surviving a nail-biting battle against relegation.

But despite their recent difficulties in the league, Irish have managed to pull off one of the most high-profile signings of the summer with the capture of French star Olivier Magne on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old back-rower, who has 83 caps for his country, has decided to leave life in France for the rough and tough attrition of English rugby.

Although it may seem like a step backwards to some, Magne, who discussed his move with brother-in-law and new Wasps hooker Raphael Ibanez, insists he has not come here for life on easy street.

"I have played for a long time in France and I decided to come here to know the Premiership. It is a good opportunity to do that with London Irish," he said.

This move will help me keep my place in the French team Olivier Magne

"I spoke a lot with my brother-in-law, Raphael Ibanez, and he told me a lot of good things about the Premiership.

"For me, the most important thing is not what the shirt is but to do my best. I want to do that with Irish."

Magne's powerful running, ferocious defence and superb skills have seen him become a mainstay of the French pack for eight years.

He is also one of only two French forwards to have won four Grand Slam titles.

OLIVIER MAGNE - LIFE & TIMES Born: 11 Apr 1973, Aurillac Position: Flanker Fr: 83 Tests, 13 tries, 65 pts 1st cap v Wal, Feb 1997 Last cap v Aus, Jul 2005

But after last season's turbulent campaign with Clermont Auvergne, which saw him fall out with coach Olivier Saisset, he decided to change focus.

"The last two years with my last club was not good enough," said Magne. "This was the right moment to move before the next World Cup.

"London Irish are a team who want to build and I liked the feel of the club.

"Living in London was also a big factor in my decision. It is a wonderful city and everything is close - you can see a lot of things."

Magne accepts the English game is different to the French but he is relishing the challenge.

"The Premiership is different to the French league because the weather is different," he said.

"At certain times of the year it will be physical because you cannot pass out wide. You have to play close up and that is why it is a more physical league than in France.

Magne in action during the second Test against South Africa in June

"There also are a lot of good teams in England that can go for top position in the Premiership.

"It is not the same in France, there are only four or five clubs that can be champions."

Magne has featured in two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns but he still feels he can play a key role in 2007, when the tournament comes to France.

"I spoke to France coach Bernard Laporte," said Magne. "I had to know if playing in England was going to be a problem for him. He said to me that it was okay to go.

"This move will help me keep my place in the French team. I am sure that if I play well with London Irish, the French coach will want me.

"I do not just want to play in the next World Cup, I want to win it. We have a big chance in 2007.

"But my first target is to play with London Irish, and after I play match after match, we will see what happens."