Aviva Premiership Rugby Football Union club the London Irish have pulled off a transfer coup by signing Blues first five-eighth Chris Noakes.

The Kiwi will leave New Zealand rugby after putting pen to paper on a two year deal that will see him turn out for the Exiles when the new season kicks off later this year.

Noakes is a former Bay of Plenty, Otago and Highlanders players and is also eligible to play for England through his parentage. Brian Smith, the Director of Rugby of the Exiles has stated that come the new season, Noakes will fight for a starting berth with veteran Irishman Ian Humphreys and former England number ten Shane Geragthy.

Smith, who has been a former playmaker in Tests for both Ireland and the Wallabies, has stated that Chris Noakes has proved himself as a fly half during his time in New Zealand. Moreover, he is one of the most prolific goal kickers in the world with an average percentage of 75 in Super XV and he is also capable of mobilizing the back line like no one else.

The London Irish boss believes he is also well suited to the way the game is played in Europe and he will prove to be a huge success in the long run.

Noakes joined the Blues in the summer of 2013 and had a brilliant start for the side in his debut season but an injury ended his season prematurely. While he did make his comeback to the side before the start of the Super Rugby season this time around, he hasn’t been able to establish himself as a first choice.

And when the London Irish came calling, he didn’t hesitate much before putting pen to paper on a contract offer from one of the biggest English sides.