Joe Powell: London Irish sign Australia scrum-half and Samoa back row So’otala Fa’aso’o

Joe Powell moves to London Irish from Melbourne Rebels

London Irish have signed Australia scrum-half Joe Powell and Samoa back row So'otala Fa'aso'o.

Powell, 28, joins from Melbourne Rebels while 27-year-old Fa'aso'o most recently played for Brive.

The Exiles' had already signed Italians Danilo Fischetti and Luca Morisi, Cornish Pirates duo Ed Scragg and Josh Caulfield, and Fiji's Api Ratuniyarawa.

Irish finished last season eighth in the Premiership, securing a place in the European Champions Cup next term.

"Moving to London Irish is an exciting adventure, having only played in my native Australia it will be a challenge to test myself in a very competitive squad and testing division," Powell, who has four international caps for the Wallabies, told the club's website.

"I have been keeping an eye on Irish and the Premiership from afar, and I'm excited to now be a part of that and to expand my talents domestically and in Europe next season."

Powell previously played for his hometown clubs Canberra Vikings and Brumbies before moving to Melbourne Rebels.

So'otala Fa'aso'o spent four seasons playing for Brive in France

Fa'aso'o has represented his country at Under-20 level, as well as playing for Auckland, Counties Manukau in New Zealand and Racing 92 in Paris.

He scored 18 tries in four seasons with Brive.

"I have always wanted to test myself in the Premiership, and to be joining a club that is steeped in history like London Irish is a big honour," he said.

"I'm very excited to be here with my new teammates and to contribute wherever I can."