Rams Add a Kicker to London Trip

In a move that may have drawn more snickers than questions, the Rams signed a Welsh rugby player to a one-game contract Friday.

Paul Thorburn, 24, who is credited with the longest rugby goal kick in the game’s history, 70 yards, will get a chance to kick off for the Rams Sunday night in the team’s exhibition game against the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium.

The Rams, of course, already have a quality field goal kicker in Mike Lansford, but if he has a weakness, it’s lack of distance on kickoffs.

Lansford had to laugh at news of the signing. He was forced to return home earlier this week to attend to personal business, wearily arriving back in London on Thursday.

“Boy, I turn my back for a heartbeat . . . “ Lansford quipped.

The signing of Thorburn was the inspiration of owner Georgia Frontiere, who heard of him while dining last May with longtime friend John Rendall, vice president of the London Welsh Rugby Club.

“She said, ‘Let’s have a look,’ ” Rendall said.

So the Rams will. Thorburn, who will wear No. 4, stood awkwardly in his new uniform at Friday’s practice. He remarked that his helmet was very heavy.

Thorburn’s only field goal attempt Friday prompted uproarious laughter. He kicked the ball squarely into the backside of Hank Goebel, Ram reserve tackle.

“His intent is to get invited to a camp next year,” Rendall said.

Thorburn, 6-1 and 188 pounds, said he will avoid tackling players at all costs Sunday.

“I’ll be a little nervous on the day,” he said. “Wouldn’t you be?”

Thorburn is noted for his legendary 70-yard kick in a match against Scotland two years ago.

Thorburn, who will get only a nominal fee Sunday, said his appearance will not affect his amateur status with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Ram Notes Disgruntled cornerback LeRoy Irvin donned a Ram uniform for the first time Friday, saying his hamstring injury is sufficiently healed. Irvin, who is unhappy with his contract and wants to be traded, worked out gingerly. “I’m all right,” he said. “All the (trade) threats are out, so I thought I’d practice. I want to do the right thing and don’t want to tick off the coaches.”