Irish swoop for Andy Buist

Apr 28 2009 By Julian Easterbrook

LONDON IRISH have signed utility forward Andy Buist from Newcastle.

Buist penned a two-year deal after spending six years at Newcastle, including three years in their academy, where he joined after playing for Alnwick.

The 24-year-old is a former pupil at Lord Wandsworth School in Hook, Hampshire – where Jonny Wilkinson and Ugo Monye are former pupils.

He said: "This move is an important rugby decision for me. It is a positive change for me, one that I’m really looking forward to. I admire the type of game that London Irish play and I want to be part of it.

"I grew up in the south-east of England and went to Lord Wandsworth College, and played for Alton RFC in Hampshire where I learned my rugby. I’m looking forward to moving back to the area and catching up with friends and family."

After losing James Hudson to Newcastle, it's somewhat ironic that boss Toby Booth has been able to virtually grab a player in exchange.

Booth said: "When opportunity knocks you have to take it. James Hudson’s departure created an opportunity for another ambitious player to come and benefit from our player development system.

"Andy Buist has been unlucky with injury but is now fully fit and excited about joining our club. He has great physical presence, can play at blind side flanker as well as in the second row, and has run the Newcastle lineout.

"He is the sort of player that will help us capitalise on the way the game is evolving. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on him so that we can develop him as a stalwart of the second and back row resources we’re building here."