With a relatively disappointing season last year finishing tenth, London Irish looked a depleted team and looked short of resources. At the start of the season Director of Rugby Brian Smith promised that the team would compete this year, and so far he is true to his word. Two wins and three losses so far, however with those three losses the team have picked up losing bonus points in all three against tough opposition, including arguably the toughest of them all: Saracens.
The most notable win so far this season, a historic one coming away at Welford Road.
Many observed that they seemed to lack power up front last year, and with an exciting back line, the forwards weren’t winning the ball to feed those backs. Judging by the summer arrivals, Brian Smith seems to have come to this realisation as well. The most notable signings including Tom Court, Luke Narraway and Geoff Cross. None of those players lack power, or more importantly, experience which is always invaluable in the Premiership.
They did however lose another marquee player, Marland Yarde. This is similar to the loss of brothers Delon and Steffon Armitage to Toulon a few years ago. However this doesn’t seem to have affected the club too much, as they are not short on tries so far this season. New recruit James Short and Alex Lewington (a surprise package) are doing a fine job. When Tom Homer returns from injury I can see that try count improving game on game.
They are a team that have been mostly mid table or below, apart from being runners up in the 08/09 season. This maybe about to change however; couple this new found form with a new training complex and new owners, the club seem to be really serious about contending this year. Brian Smith has also come out this week and talked of his team gaining a new “respect” in the Premiership so far this season, a notion I wouldn’t disagree with.
It is still early in the season yet, but London Irish are showing promising signs of having a good season this year.
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