Scrum-half Patrick Phibbs has been given a two-year contract by London Irish

Patrick Phibbs has done well since joining London Irish.

London Irish have handed Australian scrum-half Patrick Phibbs a permanent two-year deal.

Phibbs joined the Exiles from Leicester in December as cover for the injured Tomas O'Leary and his arrival has coincided with an upturn in their fortunes.

And the Aviva Premiership club have now decided to keep Phibbs at the Madejski Stadium.

Director of rugby Brian Smith said: "Since Pat joined us at Christmas, we've won six from eight games, and he's been a major factor in our improved form in 2013.

"Patrick Phibbs is a class act. His vast experience in Super Rugby and the Aviva Premiership make him a great fit for our club."

Phibbs added: "I've really enjoyed my time at London Irish. There is a great group of lads at the club and a lot of potential to go with it.

"We have shown in the last few weeks what we can do and I look forward to pushing on with London Irish over the next few years."

The 31-year-old is a product of Waverley College in Sydney and played over 70 times for the Brumbies in Super Rugby before joining Exeter Chiefs on a short-term deal in 2011.

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