Lydon signs deal as London Scottish seek recruits

London Scottish have pulled off a major coup by securing the services of Stade Francais youngster Peter Lydon on a one-year contract, and chief executive Kenny Baillie has hinted that he could be joined by more big-name signings.

Peter Lydon: One-year deal. Picture: Getty

Utility back Lydon, 21, joined Stade Francais last summer from Ulster Bank League side Seapoint and has featured regularly throughout the club’s Amlin Challenge Cup campaign – most recently against Harlequins in last week’s quarter-final clash.

The Parisian giants boast a huge pool of international stars throughout their back division, including French pair Jules Plisson and Hugo Bonneval, Springboks Meyer Bosman and Morne Steyne and Wallaby Digby Ioane. Having thrived playing with such exalted company, Lydon is now keen to prove his worth in the Greene King IPA Championship.

“Playing in France this season has been an invaluable experience and I have enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some world-class players,” he said. “I want to thank Gonzalo and all the other coaches and back-room staff for their support during the year. However, I am very keen to further my career in England and establish myself at one of the top club’s in the Championship. London Scottish is an ambitious club which seems to progress year-on-year and I feel my style of play is a good fit for the way London Scottish want to play their rugby. I cannot wait to get stuck in at pre-season.”

The Exiles head coach James Buckland said: “I am really pleased that Peter will be playing at London Scottish next season. We were looking for someone to compliment what we have already got in the back division and believe Peter fits the bill perfectly. He has a huge left boot but his skill-set is wide-ranging. I know backs coach Mike Friday is very excited to see what Peter can bring to the table and he has managed to get himself in the Stade Francais senior squad this season, which is a fine effort.”

And Baillie added: “This season the club will finish in their highest league position for 15 years but we don’t want to stand still. Adding Peter to our squad ahead of next season is a tremendous boost and supporters can expect further exciting news on new signings in the coming days and weeks.”