London Irish 2013/14 Discussion Thread

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Jul 06, 2013 3:06 am

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the new seasons London Irish discussion thread. This is where you can talk about all tings Leprechaun

London Irish, good or bad, and it's always good to get the views of supporters of other clubs.

So here are this seasons senior and academy squads (Full internationals in bold).

Senior Squad (38)

HK David Paice (England)
HK Jimmy Stevens (England)
HK Michael Mayhew (New Zealand/England)

PR John Yapp (Wales)
PR Jonny Harris (England)
PR Matt Parr (England)
PR Leo Halavatua (Tonga)
PR Halani Aulika (Tonga) (injured)
PR Jamie Hagan (Ireland)
PR CJ van der Linde (South Africa) (injured - returned to South Africa)

LK George Skivington (England)
LK Bryn Evans (New Zealand)
LK Nic Rouse (England)
LK Kieran Low (Scotland)
LK Ian Gough(Wales)

FL Declan Danaher (England)
FL Jebb Sinclair (Canada)
FL Ofisa Treviranus (Samoa)
FL Blair Cowan (Scotland)

N8 Chris Hala'ufia (Tonga)
N8 Jon Fisher (England) (injured)

SH Tomas O'Leary (Ireland) (suspended)
SH Pat Phibbs (Australia) (injured)
SH Darren Allinson (Wales)

FH Ian Humphreys (Ireland)
FH Shane Geraghty (England)
FH Myles Dorrian (Australia/England)

CE Setaimata Sa (Samoa) (injured)
CE Guy Armitage (England) (injured)
CE Eamonn Sheridan (England/Ireland)
CE Fergus Mulchrone (England/Ireland) (injured)

WG Marland Yarde (England)
WG Topsy Ojo (England)
WG Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa) (on loan to the Stormers)
WG Andrew Fenby (Wales)
WG Alex Lewington (England)

FB Tom Homer (England) (injured)
CE James O'Connor (Australia)

Academy Squad (12)

HK Gerard Ellis (England)
HK Justin Oro-Campos (England)

PR Tom Smallbone (England)
PR Richard Palframan (South Africa)

LK Scott Moore (England)
LK Charlie Davey (England)

FL Danny Kenny (Ireland)

SH Ed Hoadley (England)

CE Ian Cross (Ireland)

WG Tom Fowlie (England)
WG George Owen (England)

Preview

My first thought looking at the squad is that we are light on both numbers and a a bit of quality up front. We have two thirds of a decent front row with Paice and Aulika, but we are missing a proven senior loosehead, and that could be a problem for us going through the season. The second row is similar, with Skivs and Bryn the only proven performers. In the back row, much will rest on Big Trev and The Hoff in terms of carrying and providing power.

In the backs I am reasonably happy. TOL and iHumph looked good together before TOL got injured, and in the centre I am looking forward to seeing Sa and Armitage paired together. They are two big, physical guys, but they also have good hands. In the back three we have options, not least Marland Yarde who is looking every inch a test class winger. It would appear though looking at the make up of the squad, that we are likely to see Losi more in the centre than on the wing.

The academy looks decent with potential, and all are likely to get LV game time, with some also seeing action in the Amlin, given the noises coming out of the club from Brian Smith.

The reality is that there are no big names in the squad, and a lot of new faces, which means they will need to gel quickly if we are to get anywhere this season. A lot of people have us down to finish bottom, and I can see the reasons why, however with my optimist head on, and my supporters heart I would saythis.

All of the players we now have, are there because they want to be. The ones that remain from before have chosen to do so, and have obviously bought into Brian Smith's philosophy. we also have a number of guys who for a variety of reasons will be keen to prove themselves. The three lads from Tigers come with an excellent grounding and a desire to show that they can play at this level. If the whole squad can knit together and have a point to prove, we could well prove to be a side that is more than the sum of it's parts. Injuries will be crucial as ever, and we cannot afford to lose key players for extended periods.

I suspect we will be in the relegation scrap, but I am backing us to stay up. Either way, one thing is sure and will always be true, and that's the fact that I'd rather be a paddy than a Quin.

Ozzy's prediction: 10th

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by **Ozzy3213** Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:07 am

Rumours abound of James O'Connor to Irish on a short term contract. Would be an amazing signing if true.

by Irish Londoner Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:45 am

Can we afford his bar bills ? guinness

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Oct 24, 2013 5:48 am

If he plays like we know he can, then I am sure one or two of the fans might shout him a pint! Wink

by SirBurger Thu Oct 24, 2013 6:01 am

9. O'Leary
10. Humphreys
11. Tagicakibau
12. Sheridan/Sa
13. Armitage
14. Yarde
15. O'Connor

21. Phibbs
22. Geraghty
23. Ojo

Ale

by Irish Londoner Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:12 am

Any news on O'Connor ?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:37 am

Irish Londoner wrote:Any news on O'Connor ?

They're trying to talk him out of the bar at Heathrow T5 as we speak

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:40 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Irish Londoner wrote:Any news on O'Connor ?
They're trying to talk him out of the bar at Heathrow T5 as we speak

Official announcement early next week. Wink

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:01 am

Chris Hala’ufia returns to the London Irish back row for Sunday’s Aviva Premiership match against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park (kick-off 3pm).
John Yapp, David Paice and Leo Halavatau will start in the front row with captain, George Skivington and Ian Gough in the second row. Hala’ufia will play alongside Samoa International Ofisa Treviranus and Blair Cowan, who was recently called into the Scotland training squad for the Autumn Internationals.

Tomás O’Leary and Ian Humphreys are named in the halves with Eamonn Sheridan and Fergus Mulchrone forming the centre partnership. Alex Lewington, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Topsy Ojo make up the back three.

Brian Smith, Exiles Director of Rugby said: “We’ve had a good couple of weeks in Europe and have prepared well this week for a challenging trip to Newcastle. Dean and John Wells have assembled a strong squad and will be very tough in their own back yard. We are looking forward to the contest.”

London Irish team to face Newcastle Falcons:

15. Topsy Ojo*; 14. Alex Lewington; 13.Fergus Mulchrone; 12. Eamonn Sheridan; 11. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 10. Ian Humphreys; 9. Tomás O’Leary*; 1. John Yapp*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Leo Halavatau; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Ian Gough*; 6. Blair Cowan; 7. Ofisa Treviranus*; 8. Chris Hala’ufia*

Replacements: 16. Mike Mayhew; 17 Matt Parr; 18. Jamie Hagan*; 19.Bryn Evans*; 20. Jebb Sinclair*; 21. Guy Armitage; 22. Shane Geraghty*; 23. Darren Allinson

*Denotes International

by SirBurger Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:08 am

Shane very unfortunate to miss out at 10...I like that selection, however. The pack is spot on.

by Irish Londoner Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:21 am

Yet another big game for us - certainly winnable and another step up the table.

by stnick88 Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:22 am

dont care what anyone says that is one seriously good 4,5,6,7,8. Has everything. Strong bench to bring on too. Reasonably confident about this.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:29 am

Agree 100% with that Nick. That back row has some serious power to it. If they can get us some go forward then we have a good chance in this one.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Oct 28, 2013 2:04 pm

Gutted that I will be working at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning! Crying or Very sad

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:37 am

Strong rumours over the past 24 hours of Tom Court to Irish on a 3 year contract from the start of next season, and also a whisper of Donnacha Ryan arriving at the same time.

by Bathite Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:41 am

Those would be two big signings, especially as a couple of French clubs are sniffing around Ryan

by SirBurger Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:44 am

Court sounds like a done deal from Irish press. Good signing, although didn't realise he is 33. A three year deal sounds a bit risky. Donnacha Ryan would be absolutely magnificent. Perfect partner for Skivs in the engine room.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:47 am

I think we may end up priced out of Ryan. Not sure on how our finances are for next season, but I think the club are putting together a big offer to Marland to try to keep him. Not sure we would also be able to trump French offers for Ryan.

by SirBurger Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:09 am

Id never say never - Brian is a pretty persuasive bloke, as we have seen with JOC. There are also a number of personal and cultural reasons why a 30 year old guy might not want to go to France and why London and a club where he would have a few mates already might be pretty appealing.

Fingers crossed!

by geoff998rugby Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:36 am

Cout would have to be 3 years if you want to get him - Ulster will offer him 2 years.
If the Irish offer is no better he will stay.

Ryan I just cant see it - he will not want to jeopodise his chances to play for Ireland

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:50 am

What I have heard about Ryan is that his agent (his dad) is looking for more money for him than Munster will pay, meaning he is likely to be off. Where that is to remains to be seen.

by geoff998rugby Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:52 am

If he goes my calcualtion is Ireland will not go out of their way to select him for Internationals

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:54 am

Perhaps with Schmidt in charge he sees his chances as limited already. Will be interesting to see how it develops. How is Paddy McAllister getting on Geoff, rate him highly, was a real shame that he got such an injury.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 6:14 am

Court, all but confirmed...

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/latest/2013/11/tom-court-to-leave-ulster.aspx

by geoff998rugby Wed Nov 13, 2013 6:48 am

Paddy McAllister is close to being back - next 2/3 weeks.
Part of the reason Court leaving I suspect

The 3 year contract is key for Court.
3 years in Reading and then back to sunny Brisbane

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Nov 13, 2013 8:30 am

I've had it confirmed that we have spoken to Ryan, although he is talking to other clubs as well.

by **George Carlin** Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:21 am

Kieran Low confirmed on the bench for Scotland v Wallabies. Thoughts?

by stnick88 Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:27 am

bit surprising. but good luck to him. dont think he would of started v Tigers this weekend so doesnt really affect irish.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Nov 25, 2013 3:21 am

Tough defeat at the weekend, but not a game we would have expected to win anyway. For me the next 6 games (League and Cup) will define our season.

London Wasps (h)
Stade Francais (h)
Stade Francais (a)
Sale Sharks (a)
Gloucester (h)
Worcester (h)

We have to win those 3 home league games, and get at least a point up at Sale. Even if we don't get an TBP's that will give us 13 points, putting us on 24, which is a total I cannot see Worcester obtaining this season.

The Stade games would be nice to win, as the prospect of a cup quarter final would be really good for squad morale.

by stnick88 Mon Nov 25, 2013 3:51 am

need to get 4 wins out of 6 there. home games are all very winnable.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Nov 28, 2013 8:26 am

Bad News

David Paice is out for 2 months after surgery on his broken arm.

Good News

Phil Keith-Roach has joined the coaching staff as scrum coach.

by **George Carlin** Wed Dec 18, 2013 4:44 am

Ozzy - I see that we've loaned you young Kevin Bryce for a couple of months as injury cover for Paice. He'll be good for you - a MacPhail Scholar so amongst the young elite of Scots players from the outset.

He is one tough little fecker, apart from anything else. No shame that he didn't play much for Glasgow - trying to get game time ahead of two internationalists is not easy.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:31 am

I think we need him George. Stevens doesn't appear up to the required level at scrum time and Mayhew can't throw straoght. Whilst I agree with Smith's comments to a certain extent about referees going with pre conceived perceptions at scrum time, the fact is that we aren't up to scratch there.

Hopefully van der Linde at tighthead will give us a stronger anchor.

Overall we need to really sharpen up on our basics. Friday night we were very poor an appeared to want to shoot ourselves in the foot at every opportunity.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:40 am

L'Equipe reporting today that JOC to Toulon at the end of the season is a done deal...

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Article/O-connor-sera-toulonnais/6769

by Heaf Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:04 am

Another one to the bottomless pit of Toulon ...

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:37 am

Great result at the weekend. Hopefully the boys can kick on from it and have a good second half of the season.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:18 am

London Irish ‏@LiRFC 45s
@LiRFC are pleased to announce @HAulika @Shane_Geraghty @DarrenAllinson9 and @TomFowlie have all extended their stay at @LiRFC. #IrishFamily

hese four players follow George Skivington, Ian Humphreys, David Paice, Jon Fisher and Topsy Ojo in extending their stay at London Irish.

Tongan International prop Halani Aulika has signed a new three year deal which will keep him at Sunbury until the end of the 2016/17 season.

The tighthead prop was one of the standout performers in the Aviva Premiership last season and was voted by his London Irish peers as the 2012/13 'Players’ Player of the Season' for his extraordinary 11 tries.

Standing 6'1' tall and weighing over 19 stones, the imposing forward unfortunately sustained an Achilles tendon injury against Exeter Chiefs earlier in the season and will be out until March.

Shane Geraghty has signed a new three year deal after he re-joined the Club in summer 2012.

He joined the London Irish Academy in July 2004 and went on to make 71 first team appearances, scoring 197 points before signing for Northampton Saints.

It was during his time at London Irish that Shane achieved his six England caps, scoring one try. He has made 110 appearances for the Club including 15 appearances this season.

Darren Allinson is currently in his fourth season with the Exiles and has made 77 appearances for the Club since signing from Cardiff Blues. He has re-signed for a further three seasons.

The Welsh scrum half brings an energetic presence to the Irish back play and always impresses with his work rate in attack and defence.

Finally, 18 year-old winger and England Under 18 International Tom Fowlie has really announced himself to the London Irish supporters with eye-catching performances in both the LV=Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup. He has signed a two year extension.

Director of Rugby Brian Smith said: “It’s a great way to start the New Year and extremely positive news for the Club and our supporters. I'm delighted that all four of them have committed their futures.

"It has been an exciting period for the Club off the field and the players are excited by where we want to go on the field.

“Tom Fowlie is going to be a huge part of this Club going forward and it is great to see Academy talent coming through the Club and going on to represent the first team.”

http://www.london-irish.com/news/Quartet-re-sign-with-Exiles/95424/

by SirBurger Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:32 am

Fantastic news, especially regarding Aulika and Fowlie.

Geraghty and Allinson seem like very important players within the squad in terms of morale and the social side of things. I hope both can now push on and cement first team places. I think BS has shown a lot of faith in them by offering these contracts and we need to see them re-pay that. I have no doubt that both are capable. For me Shane just needs an extended run at first choice ahead of iHumph and we will start to reap the benefits of that. He looked decent at the weekend and has put in some good displays this season. Sadly, until the Wuss match, Humphreys has started any game of significance ahead of him.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:35 am

I agree, Shane needs a run at 10. I thought he had a good game on Saturday. Halani is the massive one for us. Having him fit and back playing will be huge. Great player.

by yappysnap Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:10 pm

So nice little team run today. Still waiting for the actual Amlin match to happen Whistle

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:22 pm

Yeah, games like that are completely pointless.

by yappysnap Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:45 pm

Just highlights the issues with the Amlin really. Will LI be going through from their pool?

by SirBurger Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:55 pm

yappysnap wrote:Just highlights the issues with the Amlin really. Will LI be going through from their pool?

It was a useful run out for some fringe players and a good way of re-introducing some others from injury. We looked fairly sharp, although Lusitanos were a pretty average outfit in all fairness.

In answer to your question - sadly we will not be qualifying in all likelihood as Stade won the double-header 5 points to 4.

by Heaf Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:50 pm

Annoying given our vastly superior points difference ...

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:43 am

Squad updated with injuries and suspensions.

Two terrific performances from the boys in back to back away games, and now back the MadStad this week to take on the Tiggers. I'm not buying all this from them that they are struggling, we will have to be at our level best to win this one.

Squad for next season is taking shape (academy players in italics)....

Back Three
Homer, Lewington, Ojo, Tagicakibau, Fenby, Fowlie

Centres
Sheridan, Sa, G.Armitage, Griffin, Mulchrone

Outside Halfs
Geraghty, Humphreys, Dorrian

Scrum Halfs
O'Leary, Phibbs, Allinson, Hoadley

Loosehead Props
Court, Parr, Harris, Smallbone

Hookers
Paice, Mayhew, Stevens, Ellis

Tighthead Props
Aulika, Hagan, Halvatau, Palframan

Locks
Skivington, Rouse, Evans

Back Row
Sinclair, Low, Cowan, Treviranus, Fisher, Guest

I know we are in talks with Stephen Brett, and Michael Keating and I suspect if those deals are done, that will be the backs complete.

We are also rumoured to be in talks with Luke Narraway, and Rhys Ruddock, both of whom I would be happy to see at the club and would complete the back row signings.

I also know that Smiffy is targeting a couple of locks, but at this stage I don't know who. I have heard Ian Nagle, who is loan at Falcons from Munster mentioned, so will be interesting to see how he goes between now and the end of the season.

On my own wishlist, I would like to see a world class tighthead brought in, but then wouldn't we all!!!

Anyway, bring on the Tiggers!!! Leprechaun

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:44 am

Oh, and there are also a couple of the AASE boys waiting to see if they get offered academy contract by the club, as is Joel Armitage.

by Hood83 Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:56 am

Have to say I thought my Falcons would do better than you this year, and I thought your squad looked really poor after players left. I'm also pretty sceptical of Smith as a coach after the England debacle...but looks like I've completely misjudged this! Two great results for you, especially Wasps.

Not that thrilled with Smith's talk of increasing the Irish link, but as long as players like Corbs keep getting brought thorough I'm happy. How decent are Smallbone and Fowlie, I've heard good things.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Feb 19, 2014 7:33 am

Fowlie will be a star. Is only just 18 and has played Amlin and LV Cup this season, and made his Premiership debut off the bench against Saracens. He's getting game time on the wing this year, but will eventually be an outside centre.

Smallbone has looked good, but has had injury issues, which is worrying for a young prop. I think it will be another couple of years before we can really assess how good he is going to be, and he has mainly played for the Wild Geese (LI amateur team) this season.

Hood, I think most Falcons fans on here were of the same mind as you, and if I recall correctly, almost everyone on here had us doing what Worcester have ended up doing this season. Obviously with green tinted specs I always thought we would be above yourselves and Worcester. Fortunately for us, our Championship acquisitions, Parr, Rouse, Sheridan and Mulchrone have been excellent for us, and with other Premiership and international quality players around them we are now in a good position to kick on. Brian Smith did well for us in his first spell at the club, hence getting the call from England. I think he is probably more suited to club management than the international set up, as he is very good at the day to day stuff and his recruitment is proving to be top notch.

by SirBurger Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:07 am

Ozzy - Is Hoadley's contract definitely two years?

Also, you left off Bryn from the list of locks Smile

...

Interesting that we are possibly thinking of Nagle - I thought he might be an option. However, I imagine if he gets on well at Newcastle he may end up staying there.

If we add Brett and one of Narraway/Ruddock/AN Other plus a big, monster second row to complement Skivs and Rouse, we will be in a great position for next year. If we get the characters of these new signings right (and it seems we are), then we really could push on for top 6.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:14 am

Ruddock would be a huge signing for LI but he will stay at Leinster as he won't risk his chances of not being in the Ireland squad. He is now our starting 6 so will definately be offered a new contract here

by **Ozzy3213** Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:21 am

Thanks SB, have now added Evans. Thought I had missed somebody off, but couldn't for the life of me work out who!!! Not sure on the length of Hoadley's contract, but he is definitely here for next season.

LeinsterFan4life I too would be surprised if we get Ruddock, and he would be a massive signing if we did

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