England trio to stay with Irish

Nick Kennedy made his England debut against the Pacific Islanders

England players Nick Kennedy, Topsy Ojo and Paul Hodgson have committed their futures to London Irish.

The trio have all agreed to new three-year deals that will keep them with the Exiles until 2012.

Second-row Kennedy, 27, decided to stay with the Exiles after being linked with a number of other Premiership clubs.

Winger Ojo, 23, and scrum-half Hodgson, 26, are both looking to break back into the full England squad after making their debuts in the last 12 months.

I believe we are credible title contenders

Nick Kennedy

Ojo made his international debut in June on the New Zealand tour, while Hodgson was called into the England side against Ireland in the Six Nations.

Kennedy, who impressed in his debut against the Pacific Islanders and again against the All Blacks in the autumn internationals, was out of contract at Irish at the end of the season.

"This was a big decision for me and one I didn't take lightly," he said. "We have first-class coaches and are playing enjoyable rugby. I believe we are credible title contenders," he said.

Meanwhile Hodgson told BBC Radio Berkshire: "In the end, the decision was quite easy, one of the main factors was furthering my international career and there's no better place than being at London Irish.

"We're going very well in the Premiership and the style of rugby we're playing should work in your favour. If you're playing well enough for your club, it should lead to international recognition.

"With the set-up at London Irish, the coaches and the rest of the squad, there's a very strong opportunity to do something and to win some silverware, which is a burning ambition for all of the boys."

Irish currently lead the Guinness Premiership from Gloucester, their opponents on Saturday.

And Ojo added: "I've enjoyed my six years here, there have been ups and downs but overall I'm very happy and there was no question about me going anywhere else.

"This is where I want to be and I'm looking forward to three more years of successful rugby at London Irish.

"Silverware is the main thing for us now, if you look over the past few years, we've progressed massively as a club.

"The next thing on our minds is something to show for our efforts, the direction we're going in now we are all desperate for some silverware and hopefully this season we can come away with something."

Mike Catt, former England international and current player-coach at London Irish, said: "They are three massive signings for the club and there is a lot for them all to offer, especially on an international stage."