NEWPORT Gwent Dragons second row forward Ian Nimmo has signed a loan agreement with London Irish.

The 28-year-old, who made 16 starts for the Gwent region last season, joins the Exiles as cover for George Skivington and Kieran Low and has been named on the bench for tomorrow's Aviva Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs.

Nimmo, an imposing figure at 6'7” and close to 19 stone, joined the Dragons from the Cornish Pirates in July 2012 but he has fallen behind Matthew Screech and Wales caps Andrew Coombs, Adam Jones and Rob Sidoli at Rodney Parade.

He played for Harlequins A in their fixture against Bath last week.

Nimmo was also once on the books of Leicester Tigers and represented Scotland at under-21 level.

London Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith said: "We are really looking forward to having Ian onboard. He will bring plenty of size and experience to our pack in the short term absence of George and Kieran.”