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It's official, promoted London Irish are back where they feel they belong

Ben Loader of London Irish celebrates promotion to the Premiership (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ten years after their only ever appearance in a Premiership final, London Irish are back among the English elite following their Good Friday Championship title-clinching win at Richmond.

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Irish’s fortunes have never been the same since that heady day they went toe-to-toe with Leicester in the 2009 league decider, a match they agonisingly lost by a point at Twickenham.

Since then they have gradually faded away, their insignificance summed by two relegations from the top flight in the past three seasons.

However, they will feel they are returning to the Premiership on this occasion a far more robust operation who can stay there and thrive, putting an end to their frustrating yo-yo existence.

An agreed ground-share with Brentford FC will see the club move back into London in 2020 following a 20-year stint at Reading and with Declan Kidney, the former Ireland and Munster title-winning coach assembling a squad with a stellar cast of names that includes Sean O’Brien, hopes will be high that Irish are back in the Premiership to stay.

Having taken over in the last few weeks of last season’s relegation campaign, Kidney laid the groundwork for their Premiership return by getting his current squad to largely lay waste to their Championship opposition and their promotion became official on the back of their 46-7 Good Friday win at Richmond.

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The Exiles crossed for eight tries in total, bouncing back dominantly after the hosts crossed for the first try through Jesse Liston. Irish replied immediately, Albert Tuisue powering his way over, and Ben Loader then finished in the corner to hand Kidney’s team a lead they were never to relinquish.

Loader added his second after Byrce Campbell had chipped in, and further tries followed from TJ Ioane (two), Josh McNally and Alivereti Veitokani.

That was more than enough to give Irish their 19th win in 21 Championship outings, putting them out of reach of second place Ealing Trailfinders.

London Irish’s Joshua McNally breaks clear to score a try during the Greene King IPA Championship match at Richmond on Good Friday (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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TI 35 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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