London Scottish have completed the signing of flanker Joe Atkinson for the 16/17 season.

The openside joins from Cornish Pirates, where he spent three years and made 67 appearances for the Mennaye Field club. 

Atkinson, who is recognised mainly as a 7, played for Loughborough Students in National One before joining the Pirates in 2013, where he was the top try-scorer.

The 25-year-old represented England at age level, featuring alongside the likes of Owen Farrell as he went up the ranks. 

The flanker is excited by the opportunity at the Athletic Ground. “I’m delighted to be joining London Scottish at a time when the club is going through some exciting changes both on and off the field.  Having met with Sean and heard his vision for the club moving forward, it was an easy decision and I can’t wait to get going now.”
 
He continued: “I loved my time at Cornish Pirates, but felt it was time for a new challenge and being in London and closer to home was also a huge draw for me.”

Head Coach Peter Richards is pleased to add further depth to his squad, which is now firmly taking shape. 

“Joe is a tough flanker who is exactly what we want in our back row. I’m sure he will form a formidable partnership with the other forwards and be a real asset to our scrum and set-piece.”