CURTIS Rona's try double will get him the headlines after London Irish claimed an historic away win at Harlequins, but the stardust he sprinkles on the Exiles is felt just as much off the pitch as on it.

The Wallabies centre crossed in each half in their 29-15 bonus-point win at the Stoop as – three weeks on from their win at Franklin's Gardens against Northampton – Irish made it back-to-back Gallagher Premiership away wins for the first time since 2014.

Rona was aided and abetted by fellow Australian international Adam Coleman in the second row as the Exiles climbed to eighth and within touching distance of the top six and even the play-offs.

And assistant coach George Skivington was delighted by the blend his squad have found on a day when England Under 20 international Ben Donnell came in at the 11th hour and also impressed in the back row.

"Adam (Coleman) from a forward's point of view has really added value and in the line-out he is a real presence, said Skivington. "Curtis was great with his work-rate.

"We said to those guys at the start of the season, you have got to come in and earn the right to play.

"Whatever you have done before has gone, and that is it. To be fair to them, they have worked hard, earned the respect of the lads, made a real difference and are delivering.

"Ben Donnell was outstanding. He was called in late with Blair (Cowan) ill and has stepped up as if he was in the team all week. That hard graft, you can't put that in people, it is just the way they are wired.

"We have got a couple of lads that have never played in the Prem, I don't think they appreciate how hard it is to go and win at these places.

"Those of us who have been in the league a long time, we understand. As the season goes on, we will see how important these wins are, we will keep chipping away and try and get a few more."