PLYMOUTH Albion players Geoff Griffiths, Darren Clayton and James Waterhouse have agreed to join newly-promoted Championship side Esher.

The trio will link up at the Surrey club with fellow former Albion players Arran Cruickshanks and Chris Rowland, who joined Esher last month.

Forward Waterhouse was always expected to return to Molesey Road after a frustrating season at Brickfields.

But his good friend Griffiths, who has played with him at Albion, Rotherham, Cleckheaton and Sheffield University, and flanker Clayton have followed him there.

Utility back Griffiths was named as Albion's vice-captain last season, but he broke his foot for a third time in 18 months just four matches into the campaign and struggled to force his way back into the team.

After two injury-plagued seasons, Griffiths is keen to combine his rugby with a job and he believes London is the place to do that.

"I was keen to stay in the league but I also want to pursue other interests," said Griffiths.

"I want to start putting down some roots and I am keen to get into the media industry.

"I think London is the place to do that.

"I have already applied for a couple of jobs."

Griffiths has not yet officially put pen to paper on the deal with Esher, but he is likely to do that this weekend.

Despite his injuries at Albion, which included breaking his foot three times and his jaw, Griffiths believes he is leaving the club a better player.

"I have really enjoyed my two years at Plymouth," said Northampton-born Griffiths.

"I came straight from university into full-time rugby and I learned a lot from Graham Dawe and Nat Saumi.

"Obviously, my dream is still to get into the Premiership, but I think dropping down to a part-time environment may help me.

"Hopefully, I can stay fresher and pursue a career outside rugby and earn more money.

"I am now 24 and I left university two years ago but I have not been using my degree.

"I think it's time to get real and earn a bit of money.

"And London suits me. Not only is there more opportunities but it is only one hour from home.

"My girlfriend lives in Northampton so that is another plus. I just think London is the place to be and Esher are a well-connected club."

Albion supporters will not be too surprised to see forwards Waterhouse and Clayton move on.

Waterhouse made just two league starts last season after joining the club from Esher.

Clayton was a regular squad member when fit, but with fellow flankers Wayne Sprangle, Sean-Michael Stephen and Rory Watts-Jones having already agreed new deals, with Albion and with Aaron Carpenter set to arrive his opportunities at Brickfields might have been limited.

EX-ALBION full-back Luke Arscott has signed for Exeter from Bristol.