Lawson signs for Irish

London Irish have signed Scotland international hooker Scott Lawson from Aviva Premiership rivals, Gloucester.

Lawson, 30, who has agreed a two-year contract, has won more than 30 Test caps and was a member of Scotland’s World Cup squads in 2007 and 2011.

Irish head coach Toby Booth said: “Scott is an excellent signing and he will bring a wealth of both Premiership and international experience. He is a reliable set-piece operator and lively in the loose. He is a fantastic addition to our squad.”

Meanwhile, Wasps boss David Young has urged his players to sharpen their clinical edge ahead of tonight’s Aviva Premiership clash with Sale Sharks. The Londoners head to Stockport just six points above bottom club Newcastle, who closed the gap by beating London Irish last time out. That result means Wasps, European champions in 2004 and 2007, remain realistic candidates to drop out of the Premiership.

“I have no doubt Newcastle will win a few more games, but it is up to us to control what we can control,” Young said. “We are six points in front of them, but just four behind Worcester. We can still catch teams in front of us if we can turn the narrow losses into wins.”

Sale, still in contention for a title play-off place, include Andy Powell at number eight after he failed to gain a place in Wales’ 22 for their RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales on Saturday.

Second-placed Saracens head to Worcester tonight, buoyed by South African hooker Schalk Brits agreeing new terms.