Waters signs new deal with Welsh

 

The flank becomes the fifteenth member of the current squad to re-commit to the club for next season, with seven more already under contract for 2015/16.

 

The loose forward has endured an injury disrupted season but has made a sensational return to action, most recently against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road when he led the way in Premiership turnovers for Round 20, three clear of the next best.

 

Waters has made five appearances for London Welsh this season. He featured in the Exiles' opening two pre-season friendlies with Henley Hawks and Wasps before suffering a knee injury in training in August.

 

He made his comeback in Welsh's friendly win over his former club Newport Gwent Dragons at Old Deer Park in March, before starting against Wasps and Leicester in the Premiership.

 

Waters joined Welsh after spending three seasons at the Dragons. The openside flank came to the attention of the Dragons after joining Pontypridd in 2009.

 

He made his Dragons debut as a replacement versus Aironi at Rodney Parade in September 2011. His first start came in the Anglo Welsh Cup against Bath.

 

London Welsh Director of Rugby Steve Lewis said: "After a really frustrating season with injury Darren has shown the sort of form in recent weeks which persuaded us to bring him to London Welsh last June.

 

"His performances against Wasps and Leicester, in particular, were outstanding.

 

"Darren's a wholehearted openside in the traditional mould – he is excellent at the breakdown, wins turnovers and disrupts opposition's ball, but he is also effective in attack, has great hands and a good off-loading game."