London Irish sign Chiefs lock Matt Symons

London Irish have confirmed the signing of lock Matt Symons from Super Rugby side Chiefs on a "long-term deal".

The 25-year-old Englishman, who will join the Exiles from next season, is understood to have penned a three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.

"Matt is a very good second-row forward now," London Irish executive director Bob Casey told BBC Sport. "I think he can be an international.

"We've been tracking him properly for a year. It was a big decision on his part and he believes in what we are doing. He's a leader. For any 25-year-old Englishman to be a co-captain of the Chiefs says a lot about the character of the individual."

Tom Coventry, who will become London Irish coach in the summer, is currently part of the Chiefs' coaching set-up.