London Irish have secured the services of scrumhalf Darren Allinson for a further two seasons after he signed a new contract that will keep him with the Premiership club until 2014.

The 24-year-old Allinson joined the Exiles at the start of the 2010/11 season and has since made 33 appearances. He has appeared in 9 out of 15 of London Irish's games so far this season, forming a strong combination with flyhalf Dan Bowden.

Commenting today on his contract extension, Allinson said: "I have really enjoyed my first 16 months at London Irish and the opportunity to stay here for another two seasons was something I could not turn down. I have been playing my best rugby and with the help of the coaching staff I have pushed my game onto the next level."

Touching on the competition for starting places at London Irish this season, Allinson added: "It is great to have such competition for places and it motivates me to be the best I can be. Paul Hodgson is a great player and with Ross Samson also coming in with positive performances I'm really being kept on my toes."

London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: "I have been very impressed with Darren's work ethic since he joined the club. He has worked hard from day one and has earned the right to be a regular in the starting fifteen."

Educated at the famous West Wales School at Gwendraeth, Allinson successfully came through the Scarlets' academy. Prior to joining the Exiles he spent four seasons at Cardiff Blues. He represented Wales at Under-16 and U18 levels as well as featuring for his country in the U19 World Cup in Dubai in March 2006.