9th August 2005
Issued on behalf of London Irish
London Irish's busy summer of new signings continued today (9th August) with the announcement that powerful, Australian rugby league centre, Paul Franze will join the club in September. 

Commenting on his change of codes and move to the northern hemisphere, the 23 year old player, who was chased by a number of England's leading rugby union clubs, said:  "I wanted to play top class rugby union and decided to join London Irish because I was excited by the Club's ambition. I also thought I would develop faster with the guidance of a former rugby league playing coach."  

Franze, who has signed a two year contract, was a Junior Kangaroo and one of the brightest, young rugby league prospects in Australia.  He has played over 60 NRL games for the Cronulla Sharks and the Penrith Panthers, a massive achievement for a player of his age.  Paul played both rugby league and union as a schoolboy and has Italian ancestry.

Brian Smith, Director of Rugby at London Irish said, "Paul is a dynamic ball runner and a lethal defender. He will fit in with our other powerful backs Scott Staniforth, Dominic Feau'nati, Rodd Penney and James Storey. I have no doubt that he will make a big impression in the Guinness Premiership. We are looking forward to his arrival after September 5th when his NRL commitments are finished."

Player Profile at a glance:
Name: Paul Franze (23) 
Date of Birth: 3rd March 1982
Former Club: Penrith Panthers (Aus)
Height: 1m 85cms (6' 1")
Weight: 98kgs (15st 7lbs)