Former Scarlets captain McCusker to join London Irish

The Scarlets have today confirmed that Rob McCusker has been released from his contract by mutual agreement to join London Irish.

Former Welsh international McCusker has been a mainstay at the region since making the journey south over a decade ago but will leave the region with immediate effect to join Aviva Premiership side London Irish.

The 29-year-old, originally from Wrexham, North Wales, joined Scarlets in 2003 as a rugby apprentice going on to make his senior debut in a pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs in 2007. His first points for the region came in January 2010 when he scored a brace of tries in Scarlets’ 33-21 victory over the Irish Exiles in the Heineken Cup.

McCusker made 135 appearances for the Scarlets scoring six tries. He was named captain for the 2012-13 season and joint captain, alongside Welsh international and British & Irish Lion Jonathan Davies, for season 2013-14. He captained his side to the PRO12 semi final against Ulster in May 2013 at Ravenhill (now Kingspan Stadium).

McCusker represented Wales Under 21s and Wales 7s and following impressive performances with the region he was called up to the Wales squad for the 2010 summer tour to New Zealand. He made his debut in the warm-up match against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on 5 June 2010. He has six caps for Wales to date, making his last appearance in the 22-18 victory over Japan on the 2013 summer tour.

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said: “Rob has been a committed and loyal servant of the Scarlets for many years. He developed into a natural leader and went on to captain the Scarlets for two seasons. He also showed his diversity as a player playing in all three back row positions in recent years.

“At this stage in his career Rob understandably needs to be playing regular rugby, an opportunity which I am sure he will grasp with both hands at London Irish. On behalf of the Scarlets I would like to thank Rob for his contribution and wish him the very best for the future.”

ommenting on the news Rob McCusker said: “I’ve grown up at the Scarlets having made the move to Llanelli over a decade ago. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have made lifelong friends.

“There have been some memorable experiences over the years including great Heineken Cup victories over Perpignan and Racing Metro and a big thank you must go out to the fans who support us through the highs and lows.

“It’s been an honour to have played for such a fantastic club for so many years but I’m looking forward to new challenges with London Irish.”