Ireland second-row forward Jeremy Davidson has become the second big-name player to quit the English League for France. The 24-year-old London Irish lock has joined Castres after coming out of contract with the Exiles.

Davidson, who spent the last two seasons with London Irish, was a cornerstone of the Lions pack in their triumphant series win over South Africa last year.

He is following in the footsteps of Scotland international Gregor Townsend, who left Northampton in May to join Brive.

Willie John McBride, who captained the Lions to a series victory over South Africa in 1974, has branded Northern Hemisphere rugby a "shambles." McBride, president of the touring Ballymena side, said in Johannesburg that he does not understand why recent tours by England, Ireland and Wales went ahead. "They weren't ready for the professional era," he said.