NEW London Irish centre Tom Stephenson is relishing pre-season as he bids to kick-start his career after a series of injuries.

The ex-Northampton Saints spent nearly two years on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in December 2015 and then a double leg-break, before returning to action earlier this year.

The former England Under 20 international, now 24, revealed: “This is my first full pre-season in two years due to injury, so I’m enjoying being out there and running around with the lads.

“I like the physicality of rugby and I’ll be looking to bring a lot of pace to the team and I can play at either 12 or 13.”

Stephenson has been joined at Exiles by fly half Stephen Myler, the third highest all-time Premiership points scorer, and he said it has helped him settle in as Irish bid to win the Greene King IPA Championship this season.

Stephenson said: “I get along really well with Stephen and I know him very well, so coming here with him is nice.

“He’s very handy on the pitch and it’s great to see Irish making positive inroads in their recruitment.”

Despite losing high-class players such as Alex Lewington, Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Franks following their relegation, London Irish have bolstered their ranks with the acquisitions of Samoan flanker TJ Iaone, ex-Gloucester hooker Moto Matu’u and American international centre Bryce Campbell.

Former Leicester Tigers prop Pat Cilliers and fellow forwards Sam Twomey, Mat Rogerson and Barney Maddison have also boosted the squad ahead of the season-opener at Ealing Trailfinders next month.