London Scottish have strengthened their Championship promotion push by signing former England U20s centre Guy Armitage on loan from London Irish until the end of the season,, writes Andy Weston.

The 23-year-old, younger brother of Toulon stars Delon and Steffon Armitage, enjoyed a short loan spell at Scottish three seasons ago and will provide further competition for places in the back division.

Armitage joined London Irish aged just 14 - making his debut for the first team in an LV=Cup clash against Sale in 2010 - and had a short stint at Toulon alongside his brothers in 2012 before re-joining Irish for a second spell.

Scottish director of rugby Mike Friday said: "I'm really pleased London Irish have agreed to loan Guy to us for the remainder of the campaign.

"At this critical part of the season it was important to get some further depth and quality to our backline and our recent recruits provide this.

"Guy is a talented, powerful, ball-playing back with great pedigree being from the Armitage family.

"He will add good strength to our midfield areas as well as out wide with Guy a very capable operator on the wing."

Armitage added: "It's a really exciting time to be involved at London Scottish with the club targeting a top four Championship finish and, hopefully, I can push for a starting place over the next few weeks."