London Scottish is pleased to announce the signing of England Students captain Freddie Clarke on a one-year deal.

The back-row forward joins Scottish on a full-time contract having this summer completed an undergraduate degree in Sports Performance at Bath University.

During his three-years at University, Clarke played for Bath Rugby, helping their A-League side, Bath United, win the A-League title in 2013/14.

Clarke also turned out for Bath University during which time they won the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Rugby Sevens Championship for the first time.

Last summer the 22-year-old was selected for the victorious Great Britain Students team which won the World University Rugby Sevens Championships in Brazil.

Success in South America earned him a call-up to the England Sevens Seniors squad which competed in the 2014 FIRA European Grand Prix Series.

Clarke has been capped six times for England Students and captained the side last season.

He also made seven appearances for London Scottish last season on loan from Bath University.

Clarke said: “I got a taste for things at London Scottish last year and I’m delighted to have now signed a full-time deal.

“Hopefully we can build on last season's success and keep improving as a team.

“I know there is great competition for places in the back-row but my aim is to force my way into the matchday 22.

“I cannot wait to start pre-season training and get stuck in.”

London Scottish head coach Peter Richards said: “We are excited that Freddie has decided to join the Club.

“He is well known to us and is a talented footballer who can play across the back-row.

“He was outstanding last season captaining England Students as well as earning international recognition in the Sevens format.

“We are confident that Freddie will make a big impact next season.”