LONDON IRISH have signed talented full-back Ben Ransom from reigning Aviva Premiership champions Saracens ahead of the new season.

Ransom, 24, had spent six seasons with Saracens where he helped the North London club win the Premiership title three times as well as the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Representing England at every age group, he was a part of the Under-20s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side in 2011, and the Red Rose outfit that lifted the title the following year.

Whilst plying his trade at Saracens under the watchful eye of Brendan Venter, Ransom was dual registered with Championship side Bedford Blues.

Helping the Blues reach the Championship play-off final in 2013, his knowledge of English rugby’s second tier will be vital.

Ransom said: “I’m delighted to have joined London Irish and I am really enjoying working under the new management structure.

“London Irish is a big club with big ambition, and the training facilities are second to none.

“It’s great to have met my new teammates.

“Pre-season training has been really tough as expected, and I’m looking forward to the start of the new season.”

Exiles director of rugby, Nick Kennedy, said: “Ben is a great acquisition and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club as we continue our preparations for the season.

“He has Championship experience which will be very useful as we gear up for what will be a very competitive campaign.”

Meanwhile, Ofisa Treviranus has signed a two-year contract extension with London Irish.

The experienced back row, who captained Samoa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has made 85 appearances since joining the club in 2011.

Capped 37 times by Samoa, Treviranus insists the club’s family values was a key factor in his decision to pen fresh terms with the Exiles.

“London Irish is a family club with really nice people working behind the scenes,” said the man who has also represented Samoa’s nation sevens team.

“The supporters are also fantastic and wherever we go they are always there for us, and that is why I really wanted to stay at the club.

“This is an ambitious club that wants to succeed at the highest level, and I’m delighted to be a part of its future.”

Kennedy said: “Ofisa brings a wealth of experience to the pack which will be invaluable to us going into next season.

“I’m pleased that he has committed his future to the club.

“Ofisa attracted the interest of a number of Premiership clubs, but he wanted to stay with us as we embark on what promises to be a very competitive and challenging season in the Championship.”

Aldermaston-based company Pump Technology have been the player sponsor for Treviranus for the last couple of seasons.

Managing director, Jeremy Brownlie, said: “As you know we have a close affiliation with the Islanders at London Irish, so we’re really delighted that Ofisa has decided to extend his contract further with the London Irish family.

“His experience will be invaluable this season.”