London Scottish head coach Peter Richards is hoping the arrival of Namibian international Tinus du Plessis can have an immediate impact on his team’s results, writes Oli Shapley.

The 31-year-old flanker, who featured in all his country’s matches at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, penned a deal this week keeping him at the Athletic Ground until the end of the season.

Scottish have won only one of their past seven Championship games and Richards needs to arrest the decline to maintain his side’s play-off hopes.

“Tinus is exactly what we need and can add some real pedigree to our pack,” he said.

“We are all determined to improve results in the next part of the season and with Tinus joining us we are confident that it will help us achieve our aims.”