Joe Ansbro back with London Irish to continue rehabilitation following neck injury

Joe Ansbro: Heading back down south

Joe Ansbro will return to London Irish three months after suffering a broken neck against Munster in August.

The centre suffered a triple fracture of the C1 vertebra during the pre-season game and he has spent the last 12 weeks back at home in Scotland recovering.

An MRI scan on the injury revealed surgery was not required and the 27-year-old will now continue his rehabilitation with the Exiles.

An external fixation device was removed last week to allow him to return to London and he admitted: "I would like to thank everyone, especially my family and friends, for their support.

"I have been inundated with messages from not only London Irish and Scotland supporters, but the wider rugby community too.

"I am glad to be back at London Irish and looking forward to catching up with my team-mates."

Glasgow-born Ansbro has won 11 caps for Scotland after making his debut against South Africa in 2010.

He joined London Irish in the summer of 2011 after beginning his club career with Northampton.