BOURNEMOUTH'S Joe Tarrant is on the brink of being propelled up the rugby ladder – with Richmond poised to seal his signature.

The Lions front-rower is set to complete a three-tier move to the Championship side and should be eligible to take his place on the bench for tomorrow's British & Irish Cup clash with Leinster A.

The switch will be finalised once Richmond have received the green light from the RFU.

Tarrant, a contracts manager for Meridian Electrical Contracting in Christchurch, made a number of appearances for London Irish in the A League last season.

And the Exiles were thought to be keen on another look at the Lions man this term, only for fellow second-tier outfit Richmond to seize the initiative.

Tarrant caught the eye in midweek when he scored a try in Richmond second string's 33-25 friendly win over Cambridge University.

Richmond are a semi-professional side and are currently bottom of the Championship following the opening six games of the season.