London Irish have announced that Wallaby Curtis Rona has left the Premiership team with immediate effect in order to take up an opportunity in Japan.
The 30-year-old, who moved to the club from the Waratahs ahead of the 2019/20 season, has made 77 appearances for the Exiles, scoring 16 tries in that time.
Before his spell at the Waratahs, Rona had turned out for the Western Force after making the cross-code switch from rugby league ahead of Super Rugby 2017.
Wishes London Irish well
A report in The Telegraph said Rona had gone AWOL for one week but he informed his London Irish team-mates of his move at the training base on Monday.
“Thank you to the supporters and everyone at London Irish for making me feel so welcome at the club from the first day that I arrived,” Rona told their website.
“I want to thank all the players, staff and coaches for everything that they have done for me, and I wish London Irish nothing but the best for the future.”
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London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney added that he was “disappointed” to lose the former Wallaby, but offered him his best wishes in his next move.
“We are disappointed to see Curtis go. We wish him and his family well on their next adventure and thank him for his efforts in the London Irish shirt,” he said.
Rona was a strong performer at centre, combining well with Benhard Janse van Rensburg, with Will Joseph and Luca Morisi now moving up the pecking order.
London Irish are currently preparing to face off with Sale Sharks in their next Premiership match, which takes place at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday evening.
Double boost for Sale
Sale have announced that Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez have inked new deals which keep them at the Premiership side until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old twins joined Sale in 2019 and the club’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, praised the ‘honorary Mancunians’ as two of the league’s very best.
Since their arrival from the Durban-based Sharks, the tough twins have become important players for Sale – alongside their older brother, utility back Robert.
Utility forward Jean-Luc has made 83 appearances for the club and his brother Dan (number eight) has played in 73 matches and are key signatures for Sale.