Exiles lose Hape

London Irish have agreed to release England midfielder Shontayne Hape who will join French Top 14 side Montpellier at the start of next season.

Brian Smith, London Irish Director of Rugby said: “We’d like to thank Shontayne for his time with London Irish. We wish him the very best of luck for his future career with Montpellier.

“London Irish has some fantastic young and talented backs who have greatly benefited from training and competing alongside him. We look forward to watching those guys in action for the rest of this and next season and to announcing Shontayne’s replacement very shortly,” he added.