London Scottish new boy Kieran Moffat is hoping his stay in Richmond extends beyond the end of the regular Championship season for more reasons than one writes Andy Weston.

The 25-year-old Otago centre penned a deal to switch to the Athletic Ground this week to hand a major boost to the club’s hopes of a place in the promotion play-offs.

Moffat is a product of the Canterbury Rugby Academy and played for both their U19 and U21 sides as well as the Canterbury Crusaders development team.

The Oamaru-born ace moved to Otago province in 2011 where he won a hat-trick of Speight’s Cup titles with Taieri Rugby Club before signing a professional contract with Otago.

During his successful three-year spell at Otago, Moffat featured regularly in the ITM Cup competition and helped them win the prestigious Ranfurly Shield in 2013 for the first time in 56 years.

The Kiwi, who will join up with his new team-mates in time for next week’s trip to Jersey, said: “London Scottish has got a proud history and the opportunity to play for this club is something which really excites me.

“They are doing very well this season and my ultimate objective is to help them reach the Championship semi-finals.

“Hopefully, I can have a real impact and impress enough to make my stay here a longer one.”

Exiles director of rugby, Mike Friday, added: “Kieran is a player I have been monitoring for a couple of months now.

“He is a proven performer having played for Otago in the ITM Cup over the past few years and a player with a great rugby brain who reads the game really well.

“He will bring a different dimension to our attacking play and compliment what we already have in the back division.”