London Welsh have signed second-row forward James Down from Cardiff Blues ahead of their return to the Aviva Premiership.

The 24-year-old is the newly-promoted club's 24th signing of the summer.

Down was called up to the Wales squad in 2012, though he is yet to earn a senior cap for his country.

"He's played a lot of rugby in different competitions with Cardiff Blues and he's another fantastic addition to our squad," Exiles coach Justin Burnell told the club's official website.

"I'm really pleased to have someone of James's calibre on board, pushing the players already within our squad and helping to add to the competitive edge."

London Welsh mark their return to the top flight at home to Exeter Chiefs on September 7.