London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread

[Ozzy3213]

First topic message reminder :

  Welcome to this seasons thread for talking about all things London Irish. 

Senior Squad (39)

Technical Director: Brendan Venter
Director of Rugby: Nick Kennedy
Assistant Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Forwards Coach: George Skivington
Defence Coach: Declan Danaher
Skills Coach: Paul Hodgson

Hooker: David Paice, Gerard Ellis, David Porecki, Jason Harris-Wright, Todd Gleave (dual registered with Rosslyn Park).
Prop: Tom Court, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Tom Smallbone, Ben Franks, Richard Palframan, Ollie Hoskins.
Second Row: Sebastien de Chaves, Jerry Sexton, Jebb Sinclair, George Robson, Will Lloyd.
Back Row: Blair Cowan, Ofisa Treviranus, Luke Narraway, Connor Gilsenen, Joe Trayfoot, Mike Coman, Max Northcote-Green, Senitiki Nayalo.
Scrum Half: Brendan McKibbin, Scott Steele, Darren Allinson (on loan to Bath).
Fly Half: Greig Tonks, Tommy Bell, Theo Brophy-Clews.
Centre: Johnny Williams, Fergus Mulchrone, Ciaran Hearn, Tom Fowlie
Back Three: Topsy Ojo, Alex Lewington, Aseli Tikoirotuama, James Marshall, Ben Ransom


Senior Academy Squad (12)

Hooker: Matt Kouris (dual registered with Esher)
Prop: Harry Elrington (dual registered with Rosslyn Park), Austin Hay (Academy Plus)
Back Row: Isaac Curtis-Harris (dual registered with Esher), Jack Cooke (Academy Plus)
Scrum Half: Conor Murphy, Rory Brand (dual registered with Rosslyn Park)
Fly Half: Tom Parton
Centre: Ross Neal, Matt Williams
Wing: Joe Cokanasiga, Jacob Atkins


Fixture List

Date	Time	Opponents	H/A	Venue	Competition	Result	Scorers
Sat 13th Aug	15:00	Harlequins	A	The Stoop	Friendly	W 28-12	T: Cowan, Neal, Nayolo, Atkins  C: Bell 3, Tonks.
Fri 19th Aug	19:30	Nottingham	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 43-14
Fri 26th Aug	19:30	Loughborough Students	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 46-21
Sat 3rd Sep	15:00	Doncaster Knights	H	MadStad	Championship	W 19-0	T: Fowlie, Tikoroituma  P: Bell 3.
Sat 10th Sep	15:00	Richmond	H	MadStad	Championship	W 36-12	T: Paice, Cowan 2, Ellis, McKibbin, Elrington. C: Bell 3.
Sat 17th Sep	15:00	Bedford Blues	A	Goldington Road	Championship	W 30-23	T: Franks, Williams, Ojo, Northcote-Green. C: Bell 2. P: Bell 2.
Sun 25th Sep	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	H	MadStad	Championship	W 32-12	T: Ransom, Trayfoot, Marshall, Steele C:Bell, Marshall 2 P:Bell 2.
Fri 30th Sep	19:45	Nottingham	A	LadyBay Sports	Championship	W 29-7	T: Steele Tikoroituma Northcote-Green Mulchrone C:Bell 3 P:Bell.
Sat 8th Oct	15:00	London Welsh	H	MadStad	Championship	W 35-12	T: Mulchrone, Paice, de Chaves, McKibbin. C: Bell. 3 P: Bell 3.
Sat 15th Oct	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	A	The Gnoll	B & I Cup	W 25-14	T: Neal, Ransom, Nayalo, Palframan.  C: Tonks.  P: Tonks.
Sat 22nd Oct	15:00	Connacht Eagles	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 34-3	T: Elrington, Hoskins, Harris-Wright, Parton, Cokanasiga.  C: Tonks 3 P: Tonks.
Sat 29th Oct	15:00	London Scottish	A	RAG	Championship	W 62-12	T: Paice, McKibbin, Cokanasiga, Bell 2, Tikoirotuma, Steele, Cowan C: Bell 8, P: Bell 2.
Sat 5th Nov	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	H	MadStad	Championship	W 41-17	T: Ransom 2, Tikoirotuma, Marshall 2. C: Bell 5. P: Bell 2.
Sat 19th Nov	13:00	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	Championship	W 35-24	T: Ransom 2, Franks 2, Northcote-Green  C: Marshall 2.  P: Tonks 2.
Sun 27th Nov	15:00	Jersey Reds	H	MadStad	Championship	W 42-29	T: Ransom, Paice 2, Palframan, Fowlie  C: Bell 4  P: Bell 2  DG: Bell.
Sat 3rd Dec	14:00	Rotherham Titans	A	Clifton Lane	Championship	W 38-10	T: Cokanasiga 2, Bell 2, Steele.  C: Bell 5  P: Bell.
Sun 11th Dec	15:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 33-24	T: Atkins, Gilsenan, Porecki, Nayalo, M.Williams.  C: Tonks 4.
Sat 17th Dec	14:30	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	B & I Cup
Sat 24th Dec	15:00	Richmond	A	RAG	Championship
Sat 31st Dec	15:00	Bedford Blues	H	MadStad	Championship
13/14/15 Jan		Connacht Eagles	A		B & I Cup
Sat 21st Jan	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	H	MadStad	B & I Cup
Sat 28th Jan	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	A	Vallis Way	Championship
Sun 5th Feb	14:00	Nottingham	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 18th Feb	14:00	London Welsh	A	Old Deer Park	Championship
Sat 25th Feb	15:00	London Scottish	H	MadStad	Championship
Sun 5th Mar	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	A	Headingley	Championship
Sat 18th Mar	14:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 25th Mar	14:00	Jersey Reds	A	St Peter	Championship
Sat 8th Apr	15:00	Rotherham Titans	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 15th Apr	15:00	Doncaster Knights	A	Castle Park	Championship

Season Preview

Well it's been an interesting summer in the aftermath of relegation.  It was clear from the outset that we would lose some players and would have to cut our cloth accordingly.  Initially it appeared that Tom Coventry was staying, but a late u-turn from him meant a new coaching set up was required.  New coaches, loss of big names, new players to integrate, sounds like a recipe for disaster, and we've certainly been there many times over the past few years.  This however, does not feel like that at all.  Perhaps it's because we are a league down, but there is real optimism around, primarily because of those things.  The holy trinity of Nick Kennedy, Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson have been promoted to the first team after overseeing a successful academy season last year, and have Brendan Venter overseeing them as technical director.  This is exciting.  A proven winner overseeing a young, hungry and exciting coaching team.  On the playing side, the main losses being Matt Symons and Sean Maitland are more than offset by the likes of George Robson, James Marshall and Tommy Bell coming in.  If anything it feels as if we may have a stronger squad this year than we've had for the past 4 or 5.

Two games into pre season and things look positive.  Comfortably beating an admittedly understrength Quins, and a high scoring win against Nottingham have given plenty of optimism for the season ahead.  There were still defensive lapses, which will need to be ironed out, but barring complacency or an absolute stinker in terms of form, we should have more than enough to comfortably make the dreaded play offs, where it then becomes a test of mental strength rather than ability.


Ozzy'sprediction: Champions

[Margin_Walker]

Cheers Ozzy.

McCusker not a surprise really. Seems a nice bloke and hard working, but doesn't offer any dynamism. I like what they are doing with lowering the average age of the squad next season.

[HongKongCherry]

Symons and Maitland are definitely off.  I've not heard anything about Franks going and I'm 99% sure Lewi is staying.

Rob McCusker has been released (not offered an extension).

As and when I hear anything else I'll let you guys know on here.

Do you know where? It certainly sounds like Maitland is off to Sarries as I know Glaws have definitely missed out on him, although we're now being linked to the out-going Ben Ransom. Quite a few teams are recruiting for locks, but it sounds like Wasps are front runners for Symons.

[Heaf]

Symons going is a real shame but Lewi staying would be a major result ...

[formerly known as Sam]

Lewington shone for Notts in the Championship a couple of years ago. He'll tear that league up given the opportunity.

[SirBurger]

Pretty sure Wasps is the most likely destination for Symons. Disappointing but by no means gutted. If players want to go they should go. We will need another lock though as Skivington is unlikely to last a full season (although, of course, I hope he does).

[stnick88]

Where have we been linked with Ransom?

That would be a great signing.

I think we need a proper FB and a lock to replace Symons as he seems to be off to scummy Wasps

[Margin_Walker]

It's Gloucester that were linked with Ransom

Not sure another FB is a priority, if Marshall, Tonks and Bell are all on the books with Parton coming through

[SirBurger]

It's going to be very interesting to see which of those focus on 10 and which at 15. Tonks said he had joined us to play 10 so I think him, TBC and Marshall will be the fly-halves, with Bell being seen more as a full back option. I think Parton will end up covering 15 as well.

[Ozzy3213]

Who plays 10 and who plays 15 will be very interesting. If TC stays, then I think Marshall will be first choice 10. I would love to see 10. TBC 11. Tiks 12. Johnny 13. Tom Fowlie 14. Lewi 15. Marshall as a backline though.

[Margin_Walker]

I'd like to see that backline too at some point assuming Lewi stays.

TBC has a lovely pass off both hands. Flat, fast and in front of the man. Hopefully his injury yesterday isn't serious. Or Johnny's for that matter.

[SirBurger]

Yes, TBC was really starting to look good at the end of last season and was also looking solid yesterday. There was a point last season where I was beginning to question whether some of the hype had been misplaced, but it definitely does look like he is the real deal. A season filling in as back-up to Marshall and rotating in, with Marshall moving to 15 could really be the making of him. Hope his injury is ok though. Apparently it didn't look great.

In other news, Andy Symons won't be coming. Bit of a shame but we look well set in the centres to me.

[Ozzy3213]

Lewi is staying.

[stnick88]

Sounds like George Robson is signing to replace Symons.

Team starting to take shape

1 Smallbone / Court
2 Paice / Ellis
3 Franks / Palframan
4 De Chaves / Sinclair
5 Robson / Lloyd
6 Coman / Narraway
7 Trayfoot / Northcote-Green
8 Treviranus
9 Steele / McKibbin
10 Marshall / Brophy-Clews
11 Lewington / Cokaganisa
12 Williams / Mulchrone
13 Fowlie / Hearn
14 Tikorotuma / Ojo
15 Bell / Marshall

[formerly known as Sam]

What's the news on Skivington? Cracking lock and unfairly dogged with injury. He'll be awesome at Championship level if he's not been forced to hang his boots up.

The understanding amongst the Tigers fans was that Bell wanted to start more games and prefers 10. He's got a big boot but he's not really got much footwork going on.

[stnick88]

not good news unfortunately

[exileray]

[quote="Ozzy3213"]Lewi is staying.[/quote


more great work by you Pete keep it coming...................

[exileray]

what is not good news.

[exileray]

where is the news coming from regarding George robson.

[Heaf]

what is not good news.

think it's referring to Scivs health

[Margin_Walker]

what is not good news.

think it's referring to Scivs health

What news in particular though? Assume his latest injury wasn't thought to be career ending, given he signed an extension a few months ago.

Has something changed on that front?

[Heaf]

Don't know - I was just referring to stnick88's post in reply to FKAS

[SirBurger]

Robson would be an outstanding signing to replace Matt/George, especially for a Championship side.

[Margin_Walker]

Yeah, he'd be a very good signing all things considered (if there was anything in it)

Just thirty as well. Thought he was a few years older than that.

[SirBurger]

Yes, so did I. Him and De Chaves would be a very solid pairing and our lineout would be very strong.

[SirBurger]

It would also suggest that we do still have a bit of cash available.

[Rugby Fan]

Tom Coventry has resigned.

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/featured-post/26178/exclusive-tom-coventry-quits-to-leave-london-irish-in-turmoil/

Interesting to see who gets that post. Wonder if Lancaster will throw his hat into the ring?

[Driver]

To be fair having the 3 Irish lads coaching the senior set up now might be a blessing, they'll have huge enthusiasm in bringing Irish forward

[bluestonevedder]

Tom Coventry has resigned.

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/featured-post/26178/exclusive-tom-coventry-quits-to-leave-london-irish-in-turmoil/

Interesting to see who gets that post. Wonder if Lancaster will throw his hat into the ring?

I read that as re-signed.

It's been a long day.

[formerly known as Sam]

With Blackadder set to leave the Crusaders and is the Highlanders job still set to be available? Could be he's thinking get back to NZ and forget that this season ever happened.

Did he actually bring anything to LI anyway?

[SirBurger]

Torn over whether we want the 3 academy coaches stepping up yet. Our academy is currently the best in the country and they have been a large part of that. By making them leave that behind we potentially lose the only thing going well for us. Having said that, the players seemed to lack passion last season. Nick, Dec and Dodge would certainly add that and are clearly talented coaches.

[Margin_Walker]

Personally going to wait for some kind of announcement. It's obviously not been plain sailing behind the scenes as the plan would surely have been to have everything sorted by now.

Also torn on the Academy coaches, assuming TRP story is on the mark there. Ideally they would have had another year or two in that environment before stepping up to roles with the senior team. That said, it's pretty obvious that they are hugely passionate about the club and they've created a superb high performance environment in the Academy. I guess it would really depend on who the figure head was. Glenn stepping back in? Someone from the outside? We definitely need someone with the right experience as head coach.

[Margin_Walker]

what is not good news.

think it's referring to Scivs health

What news in particular though? Assume his latest injury wasn't thought to be career ending, given he signed an extension a few months ago.

Has something changed on that front?

And, like clockwork he retires as a result of injury.

Shame for the bloke, as I'm sure it's not the way he will have wanted to go out.

[propdavid_london]

So is Tom Coventry going following the internal review?

Some closer to home guys that would be looking to build a team back up to fortunes would be guys like Stu Lancaster (currently involved with Cycling disciplinary board). Or Mike Ford will be looking for a means of getting back at Bath you would think....a team like LI that he would have a chance to mould would be ideal.

[Heaf]

Yes TC is off ....

[propdavid_london]

Sorry, just saw Rugby Fans post above

[propdavid_london]

Good news that George Robson is coming back - no idea if he had much success in France or even got much gametime!
If nothing else he will bring experience and character to the squad.

[Heaf]

Yep - one bit of good news in amongst all the bad ...

[Rugby Fan]

George Skivington has announced his retirement. Shoulder injury.

http://www.london-irish.com/news/skivington-calls-time-on-playing-career/bp933/

[LondonTiger]

Shame about Skivs - a top notch premiership player who always seemed to give absolutely everything he had.

[SirBurger]

Lancaster or Ford wouldn't be popular choices. I also expect out of our price range...

[Ozzy3213]

So the players were back in yesterday to collect kit and have their pre season weigh in. Hopefully nobody has come back 3 stone overweight like Halani did last season having spent the duration of the World Cup eating at Nandos!

Real shame about Skivs retiring. Absolute top bloke and I'm sure will be really missed by the rest of the squad. That leaves locks for next season as de Chaves, Sexton, Robson and Lloyd with Jebb able to cover there as well. Interesting that Lloyd is the only lock remaining from last season.

Head coach/DoR wise, I am told that we have somebody lined up and that I'll be happy with it, but I can't get a name at this stage. If the club have got somebody lined up then all credit to them as my understanding is that TC only handed his resignation in in the past 10 days or so, having told the club the precious week that he was committed and staying.

[exileray]

good work Pete, lets hope we get some more players in as well after all the retirements and the two lads with long term injury's.
a big no8 is really needed along with a centre to replace Symonds and a decent winger to fill in for Alex and maybe another second row.

[Ozzy3213]

I know we were looking at getting another centre in immediately after the Andy Symons U-turn, but not sure how that has progressed. I would presume that with Lewi injured we will look at a replacement back three player, but we may well go with what we have. Bell, Tonks and Marshall all play 15, albeit one of them is likely to be starting 10, as does young Parton in the academy. On the wings we have Tiks and Topsy, with Fijian Joe also looking to get gametime, and Fowlie potentially now being seen more as a winger than a 13 (wouldn't be my preference but I've heard whispers this may be the case). We also have young Matt Williams in the academy and albeit he is a 13, some time on the wing may be a way of introducing him to 1st team action. If it's a toss up financially between another winger to cover Lewi or a big ball carrying 8, I know where I would prefer the money goes.

[propdavid_london]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36619796
So is Sean Holley a contender for LI DoR? Brings a lot of experience...

[Heaf]

Martin Haag is a rumour ... would be good

[SirBurger]

Would be pleased with Haag...knows the Championship and has done well with England under 20s.

[formerly known as Sam]

Haag did a good job with limited funds at Nottingham. Will have already worked with TBC and Williams which might help keep them at the club for the long term should he make a success of his tenure.

[Ozzy3213]

I'm told that TRP rumours of Haag or Ford are well wide of the mark.

[propdavid_london]

Back to Sean Holley or Bomber!

[Ozzy3213]

Not overly keen on the idea of Bomber to be honest. Holley I'd be happy enough with I think.

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