Booth signs new London Irish deal

London Irish head coach Toby Booth has signed a new three-year contract at the Guinness Premiership club.

The 40-year-old, who has now committed to Irish until the end of the 2012/13 season, has impressed since stepping up from forwards coach in 2008.

Booth led the Exiles to their first Guinness Premiership final in his maiden season while they have again qualified for the Heineken Cup after finishing sixth this campaign.

"I am excited about London Irish's coaching ability, playing achievements and potential," Booth told http://www.london-irish.com. "We have raised the bar and will embrace the challenge to drive this team onto greater things.

"We have a team that is good enough to defeat anyone and we have some exciting new signings joining us to increase our competitiveness next season.

"We will compete hard for honours and earn our place amongst the best in this country and Europe."

Irish chief executive Andy Martin hailed the achievements of Booth, who has also overseen the development of England youngsters Delon Armitage, Topsy Ojo and Nick Kennedy.

"I am delighted that Toby has extended his contract with us," said Martin. "His professionalism, dedication and tenacity are second to none.

"He is an outstanding example of how London Irish has been building a first-class team to secure its future both on and off the field."