James Sandford gets to grips with Martin Castrogiovanni © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Players/Officials: Nick Kennedy | James Sandford | George Skivington

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | London Irish

London Irish have confirmed that second-row James Sandford has signed a new two-year deal.

The new contract will keep him at the Madejski Stadium until the end of the 2013-14 season and with fellow lock Nick Kennedy reportedly set for the Exiles' exit door, Sandford will look to form a partnership with new signing George Skivington in the second-row engine room.

Sandford joined the Exiles from Rotherham in the summer and has since made eight appearances for London Irish. And the former Ireland U20 international is looking forward to developing his game at the Madejski. Sandford said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at London Irish and I'm delighted to be staying on.

"I feel I have improved as a player under Toby Booth and Neal Hatley during my short time here, and I am sure I will continue to develop over the next few seasons."

London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: "James is a talented player who we think has a promising future. He is very physical on the field, as well as natural leader, who has performed well when called upon this season. "