Blues pivot off to London Irish

London - London Irish have signed flyhalf Chris Noakes from Super Rugby franchise, the Blues, on a two-year contract, the English Premiership side announced Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who has also appeared for the Highlanders, is eligible to play for England.

When he arrives at the Exiles Noakes will find himself competing for the club's No 10 shirt with Shane Geraghty and Ian Humphreys.

"Chris is a very accomplished flyhalf," Irish director of rugby Brian Smith, the former Australia and Ireland international, said.

"He's a prolific goal kicker with a 75 percent average in the Super Rugby and he knows how to get a backline moving," added Smith, who was a member of England's backroom staff.

"We feel he's very well suited to the European game."