Wednesday 8 May 2019 11:05, UK
All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo has signed for London Irish from the Highlanders, the soon-to-be Premiership club announced on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old was part of the Highlanders side that won the 2015 Super Rugby title, and featured during the Lions' Test series against the All Blacks in 2017.
London Irish have said Naholo will join the club once his commitments with New Zealand Rugby Union have been completed, with the 26-Test international hoping to feature at the World Cup in Japan which concludes in October.
"Following a great career with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Taranaki I am excited by the challenge of joining London Irish" said Naholo.
"London Irish is a team on the up and has an exciting future. There is plenty of ambition, a world-class training facility, a good group of coaches and players and some exciting signings coming in. The supporters have a great reputation as well and I'm looking forward to it."
London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney said: "Waisake is a top-class player who will bring great experience with him, which we hope he can pass onto our younger players as they continue their development with us.
"We are delighted that a player of his ability and age profile has bought into our vision for where we as a club are working hard to get to."
Naholo has endured a frustrating Super Rugby campaign due to a knee injury, but is expected to return for the Highlanders' upcoming tour of South Africa.
He is not the only high-profile player to commit to London Irish ahead of their return to the Gallagher Premiership next season, with 103-Test Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu and Ireland international Paddy Jackson unveiled by the Championship winners earlier this week.
