London Scottish is delighted to announce the signing of former Ireland flanker Neil Best from Worcester Warriors, on the same day the Club takes part in a unique fixture on their tour of Hong Kong.
The capture of Best signals Director of Rugby Simon Amor’s intention to build one of the most exciting squads in the RFU Championship and the 18-time Ireland international will add plenty of experience and power to the Scottish back row.
A tough-tackling and uncompromising flanker, Best will add considerable experience having played over 120 times for Ulster between 2002 and 2008. He left Ravenhill to join Northampton Saints, where he spent two seasons, before making the move to Worcester in 2010. The 6ft 2 flanker made 15 appearances for the Warriors last season, scoring three tries.
Best: “I’m very excited to be joining London Scottish for next season at what is a very exciting time for the club. I’ve spoken a lot with Simon Amor and he told me all about the club, its history and its vision. It’s a great time to be involved with London Scottish and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team next season and helping us progress further.”
The 34 year old started his rugby career with home-town Malone RFC before signing with Ulster and eventually winning his first Ireland cap as a replacement during a defeat to New Zealand at Lansdowne Road in November 2005.
He scored his first Test try in the win over Romania later that month and he went on to win 18 caps for Ireland, scoring two tries. He represented Ireland at the 2007 World Cup in France and played in all four pool games against Namibia, Georgia, France and Argentina.
Simon Amor: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Neil’s signing for the forthcoming season. His experience in both international and Premiership rugby will have a massive impact upon our developing squad and he is well known for his physical presence and the intensity that he brings to both his attack and his defence. He will certainly complement what is already a very strong back row, with our two Championship Dream XV players and the young, up-and-coming talent we also have.”
London Scottish CEO Kenny Baillie: “This signing is big step for London Scottish as we look to build upon the positive changes made at the club during last season. With over a hundred appearances for Ulster and experience of playing international rugby with Ireland, Neil will bring plenty of qualities to our side and we’re excited to see him in action.”
London Scottish Chairman Sir David Reid: “The signing of Neil Best is a real statement of our ambitions as we aim to become one of the leading sides in the Championship. We’re thrilled to be able to bring in someone of Neil’s experience and talent and all of us at London Scottish cannot wait to see him in action this season.”
