DUAL rugby international Barrie-Jon Mather has joined London Irish as an academy coach.

London Irish have a number of home grown stars in their first team squad, including potential England internationals Delon Armitage and David Paice.

And Exiles director of rugby Brian Smith believes Mather can help bring through the next generation.

"Barrie-Jon has a great understanding of the games basics and that's what is important for our academy players," said Smith.

"It's a huge win for the young players in our region."

Mather won a single rugby union Test cap with England in 1999 while playing for Sale and he made six appearances for Great Britain in rugby league. Tweet