LONDON Irish have confirmed the signing of international number eight Victor Costello, with the Dubliner believed to have signed a three year contract worth more than £200,000. When added to his earnings from his involvement with the national squad, the 25 year old should make more than £100,000 a year during his time with the club.

Educated at Blackrock College and UCD, Costello first came to prominence in 1987 when he earned the first of his Irish Schools caps. He was subsequently to play for the Leinster under 20s and twice for the Irish under 21 side.

At the time he divided his time between rugby and shotputting but after competing at the Barcelona Olympics he decided to concentrate on rugby. Although he was initially troubled by a shoulder injury, he has recently enjoyed a couple of very good seasons.

In March 1995 he played for the Combined Provinces against Northern Transvaal and at the start of this year he received his first full cap when he was named in the team to play the United States. He was omitted from the side to play Scotland but regained his place for the games against France, Wales and England.

Costello has already made the move to London in order to start pre season training. The sides's first division league campaign is due to get under way against Bristol on August 31st. He will also take up a job in sports and leisure management with a firm run by one of the ciub's directors.