London Irish quartet sign senior Academy contracts

London Irish talents Josh Basham, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Ben Loader and Sam Collingridge have all been rewarded with senior Academy contracts ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The quartet have joined up with the senior Academy for pre-season training with the first team squad as the Exiles prepare for their eagerly awaited return to the Premiership.

Back row Basham and full-back Hassell-Collins, both 18, have today been selected for England Under-18s’ for their tour to South Africa in August.

Basham’s former schoolmate Loader has also played for England Under-18s during the last two years of his development. The explosive winger, 18, has the ability to turn a game in an instance and adds athleticism to the backline.

Back row Collingridge, 18, joined the London Irish Academy at under-15 level and the former Hampton School and MPW pupil has underlined his physical prowess to earn himself a professional contract.