Five London Irish players sign contract extensions

England U-20 back row Gibson has made 18 appearances for the Exiles

Five London Irish players have signed contract extensions at the club.

Wing Jonathan Joseph, second rows Matt Garvey and Kieran Low, back row Jamie Gibson and prop Max Lahiff have all agreed deals up until 2013.

Exiles boss Toby Booth said: "We're proud of our academy. These boys epitomise what we are about.

"We're delighted to continue their development. They've all played first XV rugby, and will certainly figure at that level going forward."

England Under-20 back row Gibson, 20, joined the Exiles academy in July 2009 and has made seven first-team starts this season.

Second row Low, 20, who has recently played in the Under-20's Six Nations for England against both Wales and France, has started two of the last three Premiership games for Irish.

England Under-20 international, Joseph, 19, has scored seven tries in 20 appearances for the Exiles since making his senior debut in their 12-11 victory over Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup last season.

While lock Garvey, 23, who is currently sidelined with a back injury, has made 19 first-team appearances this season.

Ex-London Welsh prop, Lahiff, 21, who joined the Exiles in July 2009, has made 11 senior appearances since for the club playing in Premiership, Heineken Cup and LV= Cup campaigns.