'French conditioning is very behind'

Samoa lock Daniel Leo has revealed he joined London Irish to get in better shape for the Rugby World Cup than if he'd stayed in France.

Leo spent four years in the Top 14 after leaving Wasps in 2010, playing for Bordeaux Bègles and Perpignan.

The 31-year-old though had his eye on next year's RWC with Samoa. In order to reach peak fitness ahead of the tournament, a return to the UK was a must for Leo.

"France is very behind in strength and conditioning and I knew I was not in top condition," Leo told getReading.

"Looking ahead to next year's World Cup I wanted to come back to the UK because I knew that would be beneficial for my career."

Read more: http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2...476131,00.html