LONDON Irish have bolstered their second-row with the acquisition of Josh McNally from London Welsh until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old joins Exiles having spent more than two seasons at Old Deer Park including a campaign in the Aviva Premiership.

A senior aircraftman with the Royal Air Force, McNally could make his debut in Saturday’s British and Irish Cup trip to Connacht Eagles (kick-off 2pm).

McNally has been an integral part of the RAF Rugby Union 1st XV for the last six years, which recently in 2015, won the Inter-Service Championship for the first time in 24 years.

Standing at 6ft 7in and weighing 19 stone, McNally was named in the Championship Dream Team following an outstanding 2015/16 season for Welsh, which saw the Hereford-born lock score four tries in 18 appearances.

He was named the London Welsh Supporters Club Player of the Season last season, and went on to make seven appearances this term prior to his switch to Irish.

McNally said: “I really enjoyed my time at London Welsh and they gave me the opportunity to cut my teeth in the professional game, which I’m hugely grateful for.

“I’m really happy to be here – the facilities are absolutely amazing here and I’m looking forward to getting involved.

“Speaking to Nick Kennedy filled me with a lot of positivity and he made it clear that he wanted me here and wants me to progress at London Irish.”

He continued: “I’ve always liked attacking rugby and watching Irish this season, they’ve really put that in place and I believe I can improve that area of the game.”

Kennedy added: “I’m delighted to welcome Josh to London Irish and we are looking forward to seeing him in action for the club.

“I’ve monitored Josh’s development closely in recent years and he’s impressed me with a skill-set that will significantly improve the team.

“His composure, ball carrying and work-rate as will be invaluable for us as we enter the second half of the season.”