London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell was delighted at signing American fly half Toby L’Estrange and South African hooker Matthew Dobson.

L’Estrange, 25, who has 11 caps for the USA, joins from New York Athletic Club, while Dobson, 27, moves from Griqualand West club GWK Griquas.

“Toby comes very highly recommended,” said Burnell, whose side visit Cornish Pirates in the Greene King IPA Championship on Sunday (3.45). The Penzance pitch will be inspected tomorrow morning.

“Toby fits into what London Welsh is about – he’s very hard working and very skilful.

“We’re also very conscious of Gordon Ross coming a little bit towards the end of his career and in Will Robinson and Toby L’Estrange we’ve got two brilliant prospects.

“The Championship is all about physicality and Matthew Dobson brings that South African mind-set when it comes to the set-piece.”