London Welsh announced eight new signings yesterday, including the return of scrum half Tyson Keats.

Welsh have bolstered their squad to 47 players as their push for promotion from the Greene King IPA Championship gathers pace.

Keats, whose botched registration led to Welsh being deducted five points in last season’s Aviva Premiership campaign, is back as is prop Tom Bristow, who is dual-registered with parent club Leicester.

Exiles head coach Justin Burnell said: “The potential within this group of players is remarkable. There’s pace, skill, size and experience.

“What these signings demonstrate to me once again is that London Welsh will leave no stone unturned to strengthen its squad in the pursuit of success.”

Wasps No 8 Rory Pitman, who like Bristow featured against Ealing last week, joins on loan.

Arriving on dual registrations are Worcester Warriors and England Under 19 wing Josh Watkins and Bath second row Will Spencer.

USA Eagles flanker John Quill, Munster prop Paddy Ryan and Wasps back Liam O’Neill, who has been at Henle, have also signed.