London Scottish head coach James Buckland feels the signing of Rotherham Titans second-row forward Josh Thomas Brown and imposing Exeter Chiefs back-rower James Phillips this week can help his team compete with the best sides in the Greene King IPA Championship next season.
Both players bring a mixture of brain and brawn to the table as London Scottish look to build on finishing fifth last term, their highest league placing in 15 years.
Thomas Brown will be a familiar face to London Scottish supporters having left the Club last year to join Rotherham Titans.
However a hugely impressive end to the season caught the attention of James Buckland who has moved to re-sign the former Scotland Under-20s ace on a two-year contract.
“Josh went away to Rotherham and was one of their stand-out players,” Buckland said.
“He was their main line-out caller towards the end of the season and was outstanding in the play-off matches against Bristol.
“He has added some physicality to his already impressive skill-set and we are pleased to welcome back such a great character.”
Thomas Brown said: “I really enjoyed myself at Rotherham but when I heard there was an opportunity to re-join London Scottish, I had to take it.
“I was impressed by James Buckland when I was at the Club previously.
“He has some really good ideas and is not long out playing at the top level of English rugby.”
James Phillips brings with him considerable Premiership experience following four-year spells at both Bristol Rugby and Exeter Chiefs.
Renowned for his ball-carrying and defensive capabilities, the 26-year-old should help compliment an already strong back-row unit at London Scottish.
“James is a big lad who takes some stopping and is well known in the Premiership,” Buckland said.
“He wants to get back to that level and we will give him the platform to impress as we did with Tomas Francis and Eric Fry last season.”
He added: “Both Josh and James would not look out of place in any top Championship side and we feel the pair of them can make a massive impact.”
Phillips said: “I had a really good time at Exeter but now I’m looking to kick-on at London Scottish.
“It’s the right move for me and I’m looking forward to working with James Buckland.
“We are building a strong squad and I think the top four is a realistic target.”
