Last Season
Inconsistent was the best word to describe London Irish last season. Memorable wins over Exeter Chiefs at home and Leicester at Welford Road were intersperced with some poor performances at the Ricoh Arena and the AJ Bell Stadium. Last season also saw the emergence of wing Alex Lewington and scrum-half Scott Steele who could be mainstays in the London Irish XV for many years to come.
Season Preview: London Irish
Players In
• Ben Franks (Prop, Hurricanes)
• Sean Maitland (Wing/Fullback, Glasgow Warriors)
• Brendan McKibbin (Scrum-half, NSW Waratahs)
• Joe Trayfoot (Flanker, Harlequins)
• Dominic Waldouck (Centre, Northampton Saints)
• Andy Goode (Fly-half, Wasps)
• Dave Sisi (Back Row, Bath Rugby) (season-loan)
• Matt Symons (Lock, Waikato Chiefs)
• Tom Cruse (Hooker, Rotherham Titans)
• Eoin Sheriff (Lock, Saracens)
• Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Wing, Harlequins)
• Gerard Ellis (Hooker, promoted from Academy)
• Richard Palframan (Prop, promoted from Academy)
• Tom Fowlie (Wing/Centre, promoted from Academy)
• Tom Smallbone (Prop, promoted from Academy)
London Irish have made a number of shrewd acquisitions this season with the emphasis on signing players who are natural winners, such as Ben Franks who has won the Rugby World Cup, Sean Maitland, a victorious Lions Tour member and a serial winner in both hemispheres at club level, and Super Rugby champions Matt Symons and Asaeli Tikoirotuma (both won the competition with The Chiefs). Franks has also been signed for his ability to play on both sides of the scrum. Unfortunately, the Exiles were hit with the news that Andy Goode may have to retire before the start of the season. This leaves Irish dangerously short on fly halves with Chris Noakes and Shane Geraghty also carrying niggles, although this has been somewhat remedied with the loan signing of Christian Lewis-Pratt.
Players Out
• Tomas O’Leary (Scrum-half, Munster)
• Tom Homer (Fullback, Bath Rugby)
• Kieran Low (Lock/Flanker, Glasgow Warriors)
• Eamonn Sheridan (Centre, Oyonnax)
• Sean Cox (Lock, retired)
• Myles Dorrian (Fly-half, Bedford Blues)
• Guy Armitage (Centre, London Welsh)
• Harry Allen (Hooker, London Welsh)
• Daniel Leo (Lock, London Welsh)
• Jamie Hagan (Prop, Melbourne Rebels)
• James Short (Wing, Exeter Chiefs)
• Michael Mayhew (Hooker, Waikato)
• Matt Parr (Prop, released)
For the first time in many seasons, London Irish have managed to retain their talented young players, thus halting the exodus to Bath. At the other end of the spectrum, they have lost the experience of Tomas O’Leary and his ability to control a game, particularly in the latter stages. The talented forward Kieran Low has joined Glasgow Warriors, presumably to advance his Scotland career, and his speed and mobility will be missed around the park.
Hopes and Fears for next season
London Irish have to improve on their previous seasons performances. If they finish 10th or lower then the season will be classed as disappointing.
The Exiles will hope to finish safe from relegation in about 8th place. From here, they can improve for subsequent seasons.
Key Player
An imposing presence both on and off the field, Matt Symons is known for his impressive workrate and uncompromising attitude. Symons will be central to Irish’s plans adding leadership and power to the second row. He has already showcased his captaincy skills in the preseason game against Munster in which he both carried and tackled extremely well.
LWOS Prediction
An improvement from recent seasons, possibly challenging for a Champions Cup place.
“Main Photo”
