London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones has moved to bolster his squad with the signing of Esher centre Phil MacKenzie.

The 25-year-old, who can also play on the wing, has won 13 caps for Canada and started all four of their World Cup pool matches last year, scoring a late try in the win against Tonga and also crossing against Japan.

“London Welsh has a great reputation for developing players,” said MacKenzie, who won the players’ and the supporters’ player of the year awards at relegated Esher last season, where he scored 12 tries.

“The past few years, they have had a lot of success, which is testament to the players, the coaching staff and everyone involved in the club.

“I met Lyn and had a really good talk with him, but the best feedback I have had is from other players who have been coached by him.

“Everyone only had amazing things to say and that was a factor in my decision.

“It was obviously a difficult season for everyone involved at Esher but I guess I was fortune a score a few tries.

“The ultimate goal was to keep Esher up, but that just didn’t come to fruition.

“As a player you just have to try to do your best when you’re in that kind of situation.

“The World Cup was amazing and I think I really developed as a player and learned so much.

“Coming back and going straight into the Championship season definitely helped me a lot and I hope the June Test matches do the same.”

MacKenzie will play for Canada in their matches with USA on Saturday, Italy next Friday and Georgia on June 23.