Back 
1
Leicester Tigers sign Cokanasiga from London Irish
By Kim Ekin
Leicester Tigers have signed Phil Cokanasiga who will leave the London Irish following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season, both clubs have confirmed.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 6ft, 97kg Cokanasiga is capable of playing at inside or outside centre, as well as in the outside-backs and has previously represented England at Under-18 and Under-20 levels.
Cokanasiga, who came via the Exiles’ academy, has made 17 appearances for London Irish and scored six tries.
Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “Phil is a talented young player with incredible potential for growth in his game and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Leicester Tigers.
“He is a player who possesses great power, speed and excellent footwork.
“He is still very early on in his rugby journey and, most pleasingly, is eager to continue to develop and learn as a player while contributing to what we are building at the club.”
London Irish bid him farewell on their website.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Phil has always represented himself and the Club with distinction during his time here,” said Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby. “We wish him well with his future.”
The younger brother of Bath’s winger Joe Cokanasiga said: “I want to thank all the staff and players for helping me with my rugby journey so far,” said Cokanasiga. London Irish was my first professional club, and it will always hold a place close to my heart.”
London Irish have also released back row Olly Cracknell.
Cracknell, who joined the Exiles from the Ospreys in November as injury cover for Ben Donnell, has appeared in 16 games for London Irish and scored four tries.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We thank Olly for his contributions since his arrival earlier in the season and wish him well for the future,” said Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby. “He has been a great professional for the Club, both on and off the field.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at London Irish and will always think back on my time here with fond memories,” said Cracknell. “When I first joined Irish, I was searching for more game time. The coaches trusted me and allowed for that to happen, so I will always be grateful.”
Comments
Join free and tell us what you really think!
Join Free
Latest Comments
Well done in putting Eddie's stats into perspective Nick. I'd like to see the try/phase stats after discounting tries from rolling mauls and intercepts. Reminds me of the story Rocky Elsom once told about how the Edster figured out that scrums only take up an average of 8 minutes a game. Apparently our Messiah thus concluded that the team should only devote 8 minutes to the scrum at training!
Go to commentsYo Nicholas. The crowd at the Roar told me you'd quit and I'd find your column elsewhere. Great to see you're still on the job. I enjoyed this, and and no wonder I missed you. Over at the other place, on the day before you posted this, I commented on the game against the Reds: "Carter Gordon was another interesting player on the field, although his form wasn’t well showcased in the match, which isn’t to say he didn’t play well, only that he didn’t particularly star. I know virtually nothing about CG, and wonder if I’m seeing a tall thin 10 who holds the ball with both hands and likes to tackle, besides everything else … I dare not say who that reminds me of." I was scared of putting the mocker on him, but now you've said it! Are we seeing the ghost of Bernie? Early days, but he's certainly refreshing.
Go to comments