These five key players for London Irish will greatly influence their team’s prospects next season. If they can fulfil their potential, the Exiles could surprise the pundits, finishing higher up the league table than previous seasons.
Matt Symons- the lock from New Zealand who is being hailed as a future England captain will provide additional leadership and power throughout the spine of the team. Irish arguably lacked leadership at key times last season and Symons solves this issue. He joins the Exiles with a 96% tackle rate in Super Rugby and so will shore up the sometimes porous defence. Furthermore, Symons is well known for his work rate around the park and will provide quick ball for the exciting London Irish backs to run riot with.
Ben Franks- possibly the only prop in the world who can play on both sides of the scrum to an international level, Franks will considerably strengthen the Irish scrum, an area of relative weakness last season. Many players have been signed this year to add experience to the team and the 42 cap All Black is no exception. Franks also has remarkable fitness- missing only 3 games in two seasons with the Hurricanes. With Franks propping alongside Tom Court, Halani Aulika, Geoff Cross or the emerging Richard Palframan depending on which side he plays on, the Exiles will have one of the strongest scrums in the Premiership next season.
Sean Maitland- one of the most high profile signings made by London Irish, Maitland comes with a solid try scoring record of 10 tries in 33 games at Glasgow Warriors. However, he also brings an impressive turn of pace, creating tries for others to score. In recent years, the Exiles have sometimes lacked the ability to finish opportunities and the signing of Maitland should rectify this problem somewhat. The British and Irish Lion is a proven international winger and brings the experience of winning from his time with Glasgow and the Lions. Maitland, along with another signing Asaeli Tikoroituma, will add strength in depth to the Irish back three.
Scott Steele- the most impressive of last season’s signings it is expected that Steele will continue to develop at a rapid pace. He displaced Ireland international, Tomas O’Leary from the starting line up last year with his quick delivery, ability to snipe around the edge of the ruck and offloading. Throughout last season, the accuracy of Steele’s box kicking improved as did the quality of his distribution. If this can be sustained, then he will provide a platform of Geraghty, Goode or Noakes to attack the opposition with a variety of options.
Andy Goode- Despite not being blessed with searing pace, Goode has won many a game with his tactical kicking and flawless game management. He can relieve defences and engineer attacking positions with ease. It should also not be forgotten that Goode is the current Premiership Golden Boot, the achilles heel of London Irish since the long term injury to Tom Homer. However, perhaps the most important aspect of this signing is that Goode will assist in the coaching of academy fly half Theo Brophy-Clews. Goode’s game management at fly half coupled with Geraghty’s creativity at inside centre could make a lethal combination, releasing the outside backs.
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