London Irish Sign Star Prop Forward from Leinster

Posted on Mar 25, 2013 in London Irish

London Irish have announced the signing of Jamie Hagan from Irish province, Leinster, on a three year deal.

The 25-year old tighthead prop forward joined Leinster from school before moving across to Galway where he spent two years with Connacht, making 50 appearances. He moved back to Leinster in the summer of 2011.

Jamie was drafted into the Leinster Academy as an 18-year-old in 2005 and was capped, provincially and nationally, through the age grades. In 2007, he was a member of the Ireland team that captured the Under-20 Grand Slam.

Leinster followed his progress at Connacht and in June 2011 signed him back to the Irish capital. He played 18 times during 2011/12 and scored his first try for Leinster in a 42-13 win over Ulster.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “Jamie Hagan is a future Irish Test player, he’s cut his teeth in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 and is more than ready to launch his Aviva Premiership career. He’s a tough, uncompromising prop coming into his prime and he’ll add more steel to our tight five. Jamie’s rugby talent and Irish heritage make him a perfect fit for the club. I’m genuinely delighted that he’s committed to London Irish for the next three seasons.”

The prop forward, who has made two appearances for the Irish Wolfhounds, said: "I’m looking forward to moving across to England and joining London Irish. They are a team with a rich heritage and proud Irish traditions which will really suit me. I would like to thank Leinster for all they have done for me and wish them well for the future. I look forward to joining London Irish next season and getting stuck in to Premiership rugby."

Irish confirm Joseph departure

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in London Irish

London Irish have confirmed that centre, Jonathan Joseph, will join Bath Rugby next season.

The England International is currently sidelined after missing the Exiles last four games with injury. He will join Bath, the club he scored against during Irish’ 29-22 victory at Madejski Stadium last September, in the summer.

London Irish would like to thank JJ for his efforts during his time at the Club and wish him well for the future.

Irish have bolstered their squad in recent weeks with the signings of Blair Cowan and Andrew Fenby with more players to be announced in the coming days.

Families flock to St Patrick’s Party

With only three days to go until London Irish take on Worcester Warriors in the Club’s Legendary St Patrick’s Party fixture, the family zone in the South Stand has now sold out.

The St Patrick’s Party is a date that all rugby supporters look forward to in the Aviva Premiership diary, with entertainment for all the family both inside and outside the stadium.

To allow more families to join us on Saturday, London Irish has extended the family zone into the North Stand which means kids (U15s) can now go free in certain areas of the stand with a full paying adult. The Club is delighted so many families have already organised tickets and we are hoping many more can come along too.

The car park will host the St Patrick’s Party village which will begin from 11.00am as DJ Minty takes to the stage to take supporters through a day of fun filled entertainment. Performances from The Bible Code Sunday’s, The Reels and The Paul Bowen Band will deliver the party atmosphere with Guinness trucks to accompany.

The entertainment doesn’t stop inside the stadium, at 2:30pm the Irish dancers from the O’Gara School of Irish Dance will put on a colourful display on the pitch before a sing-a-long with Ronan from the Bible Code Sunday’s when he takes to the pitch just before kick-off.

Irish trail Worcester in the Aviva Premiership table and will be looking for a win in front of a large home crowd to bridge the gap.

Sa to join up with London Irish this week

Posted on Jan 22, 2013 in London Irish

London Irish have confirmed that Samoa International, Setaimata Sa, will join up with the London Irish squad this week.

The former Catalan Dragons’ star penned a three year deal last year and will be available for London Irish for the remainder of this season and the coming seasons, having secured his UK Visa.

The move to London Irish means that Setaimata will be returning to his sporting roots. Originally from Canterbury Crusader territory, as a schoolboy rugby union star in New Zealand he was scouted by NRL club, Sydney Roosters in 2006. He subsequently moved to the Super League and Catalan Dragons in 2010. Sa, as he prefers to be called, has a good try-scoring record in senior rugby league, scoring 13 tries in 66 games for the Sydney Roosters and 10 tries in 39 games for the Catalan Dragons.

A dual rugby league international, he has been capped three times by New Zealand, helping them to win the World Cup title in 2008 and five times by Samoa. He made his International rugby union debut for Samoa last November in their triumph over Canada.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “It has been a long process but we a delighted that Sa can now join up with the squad. He is itching to be involved and the squad is looking forward to having him on board. Once he gets the hang of playing rugby union again there will be no better all round midfielder in the country.”

Kieran Low extends contract with Exiles

Posted on Jan 8, 2013 in London Irish

London Irish have announced that lock forward Kieran Low has extended his contract with the Club for a further two years.

The 6’6′ forward has played 12 times for Irish this season including six appearances in the Aviva Premiership.

Kieran joined the club in 2009 from school having previously been a member of Chichester Rugby Club. He has represented England at U18 and U20 level.

Kieran has made 21 appearances for London Irish during his time with the Club. Unfortunately injury has limited game time in recent years; however he is enjoying a good run of matches this season.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “Kieran Low is one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve worked with. He’s a big fella with excellent skills and plenty of desire. Kieran is developing his set piece play very well under Glenn Delaney and it won’t be long before he commands a starting spot in our back five. If he keeps his feet on the ground and continues to work hard, I have no doubt that he’ll play for England. He’s a terrific player and more importantly a passionate London Irishman. I’m delighted he’s extended his contract with us.”

Kieran Low said: “I have enjoyed three great years at London Irish and it is great to be here for a further two years.”

Corbisiero returns to face Gloucester

Posted on Jan 4, 2013 in London Irish

London Irish will be bolstered this weekend by the return of Alex Corbisiero to the starting lineup for the Aviva Premiership match against Gloucester at Kingsholm (kick-off 3pm).

The England International will join Halani Aulika and David Paice in the front row with George Skivington partnering Bryn Evans in the second row with the All Black captaining the side. Matt Garvey moves to the back row to join Canadian International, Jebb Sinclair and Chris Hala’ufia.

New signing Pat Phibbs will start at scrum half and Steven Shingler and Sailosi Tagicakibau will form the centre combination. Jonathan Joseph moves to the wing.

London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith said: “We’ve trained well this week and we’re looking forward to the contest tomorrow.

Gloucester are a very good team and deserve to go into the match as favourites, however we are looking at the contest as an opportunity to claim a big scalp. There is some history between the two clubs in recent times and the boys are very aware of that.”

London Irish team to face Gloucester:

15. Tom Homer; 14. Jonathan Joseph*; 13. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 12. Steven Shingler; 11. Marland Yarde; 10. Ian Humphreys; 9. Patt Phibbs; 1. Alex Corbisiero*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. George Skivington; 5. Bryn Evans* (Captain); 6. Matt Garvey; 7.Jebb Sinclair*; 8. Chris Hala’ufia*

Replacements: 16. Scott Lawson*; 17. Max Lahiff; 18.Leo Halavatau; 19. Kieran Low; 20. Jamie Gibson; 21. Guy Armitage; 22. Shane Geraghty*; 23. Jack Moates

*Denotes Internationals

Shaun Edwards ends association with London Irish

Posted on Jan 3, 2013 in London Irish, Wales

London Irish have confirmed that Shaun Edwards consultancy role with the club has ended.

Edwards will now concentrate on his commitments with the Welsh Rugby Union as it prepares for the fourth coming Six Nations Championship and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “I have always been a supporter of Shaun Edwards and that will not change. He is a world class defence coach and has put in place structures, strategies and techniques that we will take forward. I will step up on the defensive side for the remainder of this season. We would like to thank him for his efforts over the last six months and wish him well for the future.”