Dorrian departs Exeter Chiefs for London Irish

Exeter Chiefs can confirm today that fly-half Myles Dorrian will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join up with Aviva Premiership rivals London Irish on a two-year deal.

Dorrian, 30, who signed in the summer of 2011 from Championship side Bedford Blues, has featured nine times for the Chiefs, scoring three tries in the process.

A naturally gifted footballer, the Sydney-born back is predominantly a No.10, but has featured for Exeter also in the centre and at full-back.

Although first team opportunities were limited for Dorrian in the Premiership, he was able to figure in both Europe and the LV= Cup for the Devon club - and was also a member of their successful A League winning side of 2011/12.

Although departing the Westcountry for a new start with the Exiles, Dorrian's contribution to the cause has been praised by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, who said: "Myles has been an outstanding and popular member of the squad for the past two seasons. Obviously his chances - particularly in the Premiership - have been somewhat limited with us, but whenever he has been asked to perform for the first team, he has done it with great credit and has always given top quality performances.

"All the coaches and the players have really enjoyed working with Myles and throughout his time with us he has always worked flat out and been enthusiastic in everything he has done.

"On behalf of everyone at the club we'd like to thank Myles for all of his efforts and we wish him well in the next step of his career at London Irish."

Dorrian, who has spent the final part of this season back on loan with former club Bedford, will team up at Irish with compatriot and former Chiefs colleague Pat Phibbs for next season.

Thanking the Chiefs for his time at the club, Dorrian added: "I've had two great years with the Chiefs and I've learnt so much from working within that environment. It's a great club and I've made a lot of good friends from my time down there.

"The whole experience has been an enjoyable one, especially winning the A League, and I know my game has moved on massively from working alongside all the coaches and players.

"Moving to Irish, however, is a new challenge for me and one that I am very much looking forward too."

Photo: Exeter Rugby Club / Pinnacle Photo Agency