Tideswell joins Irish from Albion

London Irish have signed prop James Tideswell from Plymouth Albion on a one-year contract.

The 25-year-old has previously played for Stourbridge and trained at the Gloucester academy.

Exiles coach Toby Booth said: "James is highly regarded by Graham Dawe and that's as credible an endorsement as you can get as a forward.

"He is a good athlete who shows a real desire to make it to the top level of the game and that's very encouraging."

Tideswell added: "When I met with Toby Booth I was impressed with what he told me about the club and the set-up.

"London Irish has had a great season and I'm sure another lies ahead. I'm looking forward to getting started and to playing, especially in the Guinness Premiership."