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Wallabies pair Nick Phipps and Curtis Rona leave Super Rugby for London Irish

Australia scrum-half Nick Phipps and compatriot Curtis Rona will leave Super Rugby for London Irish at the end of the season. Matt King/Getty Images

London Irish have confirmed the signings of Australia internationals Nick Phipps and Curtis Rona from Super Rugby's New South Wales Waratahs.

Scrum-half Phipps has earned 71 caps for the Wallabies and was part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup final team, while Rona has made a handful of appearances since switching codes from the National Rugby League in 2016.

Both players will join at the end of the season but Phipps has a chance to be part of Australia's World Cup squad again this autumn and would join up with his new club after the tournament.

"It's an exciting time for me to be joining London Irish," Phipps told the club website.

"They have a rich tradition, there is a vision with clear goals and a new stadium coming. Hopefully with my experiences from playing for Australia and in Super Rugby I can bring something to the club, contributing both on and off the field in an unbelievable city."

The Exiles sit top of the Championship with a nine-point lead and are planning for their expected return to the Premiership at the end of the season.

"Our focus is on winning the Championship and we're not taking anything for granted, but we also have to plan our recruitment and are delighted that Nick wants to join us," said director of rugby Declan Kidney.

"He has plenty of experience, both in terms of playing as well as leadership, and both of these will be important as we build for the future.

"Curtis has not been playing rugby union for a long time but has already shown that he has the talent to be a very good player.

"He has power, pace and plenty of ability with ball in hand, and will complement the other players we have in the squad here at London Irish."