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‘It’s been a privilege’: Captain Mark Bright to leave London Scottish and join Ealing Trailfinders

London Scottish captain Mark Bright is to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old New Zealander, who has been with Scottish since 2011, will move to nearby Ealing Trailfinders.

The powerful number 8 is one of just four players to have made more than 100 appearances for the club and has scored 76 tries since joining from Redruth.

“I would like to thank everyone involved from London Scottish for the past five years, the coaches, players, trainers and medical team for all of their help,” he said.

“It has been a great five years at a great club where I have made some life long friends and had the privilege to play over 100 games.

“I am fully committed to Scottish for the remainder of the season and am looking forward to the upcoming games.”

Bright’s form over the past few years was such that he earned a call-up for England’s sevens squad and played in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

As well as taking the captaincy the veteran has been a key player for the Exiles, scoring 28 tries in 26 games last season to become Championship top scorer.

His leadership and try scoring helped propel the club to a record third place last campaign.

Meanwhile, the club have also announced the signing of Worcester Warriors winger Sam Smith on loan for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old scored 15 tries in 19 games to help the Warriors to promotion to the Premiership in 2014-15 but has struggled for game time this season.

Smith previously represented England at youth levels and spent five productive years with Premiership side Harlequins.

Head coach Peter Richards said: “Sam is a top class winger and we are excited to have him. He brings some excellent qualities as we look to build on our good form in recent weeks.”

Scottish are seventh in the Championship table with eight wins and eight losses from 16 games.

They are on a three-game winning run in the division and will look to continue their momentum when they travel to take on Nottingham on Sunday.

Feature image of Mark Bright courtesy of London Scottish rugby, via Youtube, with thanks

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