Armitage Joins Toulon Brothers

England full-back Delon Armitage is set to be reunited with his brothers Steffon and Guy next season after agreeing a deal with Toulon.

Armitage has made 165 appearances for the Exiles since making his debut in 2003, however he has now signed a two-year deal with the Top 14 outfit.

The 28-year-old has long been rumoured to be set to join the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Simon Shaw at the French side - with Armitage having fallen behind Ben Foden and Mike Brown in the England set-up.

It is the second time Armitage has played in France, with both Steffon and himself having starred for Nice before moving to London Irish.

And Armitage is looking forward to the move, telling the club's official site: "I would like to thank everyone involved at London Irish, in particular Toby Booth, who I have worked closely with during my time at Sunbury.

"My partner Jemma, our children and I, have thoroughly enjoyed the environment at the club and will go away with some fantastic memories.

Priority

"I feel it's the right time for me to move on at this stage in my rugby career. Irish has been a huge part of my life and it's been a real honour to be a part of. I would also like to thank the supporters and team mates that I have got to know over the last decade.

"I am looking forward to joining Steffon and Guy at Toulon but my immediate priority is ensuring that London Irish finish the season on a high with two victories."

Exiles head coach Toby Booth praised Armitage for all his efforts at the club.

"Delon is one of many players who has committed over 10 years' service to this club," he said.

"I wish him and his family the best in the future and thank him for his considerable involvement in London Irish's success in recent times.

"We are sad to see him leave but wish him the very best of luck at Toulon. Personally I hope he regains the form to see him return to international status in the future."

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Armitage Out After Detention

Delon Armitage has been suspended from the England Saxons Elite Player Squad following his detention by Devon & Cornwall Police early on January 29th. 

The London Irish full back was released from the England Saxons camp following the international match against the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds on January 28. 

He was later arrested in Torquay on suspicion of assault following an altercation in a nightclub, interviewed and then released on police bail while inquiries continue. 

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We take issues surrounding the behaviour of England players very seriously and as such have decided to suspend Delon from the Saxons EPS pending the result of the police inquiry. We will then consider if further action is appropriate under the EPS Code of Conduct. 

“High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment.” 

London Irish said in a statement: “London Irish is extremely disappointed to hear about the incident involving Delon whilst on an England Saxons release period and takes these matters extremely seriously. We fully understand the RFU stance on this matter and will convene our own internal investigation to procure a full understanding of the matter in question, the outcome of which will determine any further action. Player conduct is a direct representation of the club and, therefore, inappropriate conduct will be strongly acted upon.”

Henry believes England too Fearful

Former New Zealand coach Graham Henry has criticised England for being "the world champions at wasting talent" and playing "a game based on fear".

Henry guided New Zealand to World Cup success as coach in October, while England exited in the quarter-finals.

He told the rugbysite.com: "It seems that England are world champions at wasting talent.

"At national level and club level, English teams are far too worried about securing possession."

He added: "England has top-draw attacking players (but) they are seldom used.

"No wonder England had trouble scoring tries against the better teams at the World Cup."

He singled out Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Delon Armitage as players who have impressed him but may never reach their potential.

Henry added: "A country with over a million players should be the best team in the world and England's potential in the backs is as good as it has ever been.

"But how frustrated those players must get in a white shirt.

"England and the English clubs played a game based on fear and a generation of promising backs are dying on their feet.

"That has to change."

Praising England's potential, Henry added: "Ben Youngs can also break teams up. Charlie Hodgson is a good navigator and made his mark when he came to New Zealand with the Lions in 2005.

"Manu Tuilagi is green but when he comes back from injury, he will prove himself to be a very good footballer. He has that explosiveness."

Henry believes that they need to alter their approach for the Six Nations, explaining: "England has a backline, but they will never fulfil their potential unless the team can win quick ball. This needs a total change of policy for the Six Nations.

"England must go to Murrayfield and stick it to the opposition. They have to smash the Scottish forwards past the ball instead of conservatively stopping at the tackled player in order to secure possession."

Henry contrasted England's approach with New Zealand's mentality, saying: "We want quick ball in New Zealand and so we concentrate on dominating the space beyond the ball carrier.

"We want our supporting players to get under the opposition and to move them backwards. We flood past the ball to create good possession for our strike runners.

"The English teams are paranoid that an opponent might steal the ball and so everyone jams on the brakes and seals off possession. It is fearful and often illegal."