London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 11 Aug 2015, 13:53

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to this seasons thread for talking about all things London Irish. London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread - Page 9 5

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

by Heaf Tue 28 Jun 2016, 20:53

But wouldn't that be an odd move for Holley having just left Bristol?

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 07:40

Yes it would, particularly given that his family has remained in Wales.

by propdavid_london Wed 29 Jun 2016, 11:22

The draw of being DoR again might be enough to convince him to make the move!
Robinson isn't going to leave Bristol any time soon so if he wanted more he would have to leave.
Holley is probably the ideal candidate - top level experience in Wales and Championship experience with Bristol.

Bombers reputation is in tatters really! I feel for him as he isnt a bad coach, He really needs to start again perhaps as an academy manager - did exceptionally well with RFU U20s.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 12:26

Holley would definitely be a good choice given his previous experience.

Great news that Ben Franks is staying. We should definitely have the front 5 to give us a platform to play some decent rugby.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 09:28

I believe that there may be some announcements form the club today.

by Margin_Walker Fri 01 Jul 2016, 10:17

Excellent. Understand the need to work through things behind the scenes, but will be nice to have some sort of clarity as pre season starts.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:57

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

Poopie a brick, The Doc is back!!!

by Driver Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:59

by Heaf Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:59

Big job for Nick ...

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 13:13

Heaf wrote:Big job for Nick ...

Yes and no. I'm guessing he is being groomed to be standalone DoR in the long term, but in the short to mid term he's got the Doc there to show him the road.

by propdavid_london Fri 01 Jul 2016, 13:35

Is Bob Casey not involved anymore?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 13:45

Bob is CEO

by exileray Fri 01 Jul 2016, 18:44

it would be nice to see another couple added to the squad which is being announced on Monday. a centre and wing would be nice.

Any ideas ozzy.................. Very Happy

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 02 Jul 2016, 10:23

I know we are talking to a centre, not sure about any back 3 players.

by Margin_Walker Sat 02 Jul 2016, 10:30

Really we just need either or, given how versatile a few of our players are, so that would be fine (Tiks, Fowlie and Hearn being able to cover 13 and wing). Don't think we need to bring in two more backs, especially with a decent academy crop. If anything I could see us getting an 8 and a centre/wing. But wouldn't be surprised if they went without the 8.

by SirBurger Sat 02 Jul 2016, 10:43

I think we will go without an 8 and target that as a key area of recruitment for 2017/18 season (assuming we get promoted).

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 02 Jul 2016, 11:03

I don't think we need another centre, we have Ross Neal and Matt Williams in the academy, and Williams could be blooded on the wing as JJ and Tom Fowlie have been before him. If we are bringing in another player I would prefer another ball carrying forward.

by Margin_Walker Sat 02 Jul 2016, 11:15

We probably have plenty, assuming there are no leavers I don't know about. Have just been scarred by our injuries last season!

by exileray Sat 02 Jul 2016, 18:15

just been watching some video of jo cokanasiga if this guy steps up we will be fine on the wings until Alex comes back from injury.

by SirBurger Sat 02 Jul 2016, 20:45

exileray wrote:just been watching some video of jo cokanasiga if this guy steps up we will be fine on the wings until Alex comes back from injury.

This one or a different one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZ-Temk-BE

by Margin_Walker Sat 02 Jul 2016, 20:50

Sure Joe will get some game time with the seniors next season and will be interesting to see how he goes. Definitely looks to have a lot of potential.

Would like to see how rounded his game is though. Saw him for Eng U18s and he looked a bit vulnerable in defence when turned. Was only one game though and it's the sort of stuff they'll be working on. I'm guessing a few of the 1st year senior academy guys will stick around rather than be loaned/dual reg to ND1 teams. Joe, Parton, M Williams perhaps in pole position.

by Margin_Walker Sat 02 Jul 2016, 20:53

Just watched that SirB. Pretty interesting route in.

Sure, you'll have seen it already, but there's also a fair bit of him on this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr7yaGpAFwc

by SirBurger Sat 02 Jul 2016, 21:14

Margin_Walker wrote:Just watched that SirB. Pretty interesting route in.

Sure, you'll have seen it already, but there's also a fair bit of him on this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr7yaGpAFwc

Thanks for that. Looks, from the video of his family, that his younger brother might also be in the academy.

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 05 Jul 2016, 10:05

OP updated with new squad details and coaching set up. Season preview to come.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 05 Jul 2016, 10:33

Is Venter going to be full time, or will this be another part time thing like the end of his Sarries stay?

Still hope for more like this:

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 05 Jul 2016, 11:11

Part time LT. I would imagine he's there to guide an inexperienced but potentially very good coaching set up through their first season as senior coaches. I think it's a very sensible move from the board.

That interview still makes me chuckle every time I see it.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 08 Jul 2016, 16:43

Fixture list is out....

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/2016-greene-king-ipa-championship-fixtures-confirmed/

Play offs remain and it's Doncaster knights at home first up!

by Heaf Fri 08 Jul 2016, 16:56

Double pants!

Stupid play-offs still in place and I was hoping first game would be away as I have to go to a wedding that weekend Sad

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 08 Jul 2016, 18:37

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 08 Jul 2016, 18:38

by propdavid_london Mon 11 Jul 2016, 08:54

Awesome - Christmas Eve match with Richmond - sorted

by Irish Londoner Mon 11 Jul 2016, 10:33

Anyone coming up for the Yorkshire games and want to meet for a beer let me know.

by SirBurger Wed 13 Jul 2016, 08:59

Anyone got any idea who the lad on the left side of this maul is at 1 minute? Pacific Island looking guy with legs strapped. He doesn't look stocky enough to be Trev and probably too tall to be Curtis Harris. Is it a back row ball carrier?

by SirBurger Wed 13 Jul 2016, 09:00

https://youtu.be/1dwgqs0KTsk

Link above...

by Margin_Walker Wed 13 Jul 2016, 17:26

Good spot. No idea who that is.

by exileray Wed 13 Jul 2016, 19:01

if the letters on the players shorts are there initials there is an A on that players shorts.
looks to me like Fijian but not joe c.

could it be our new prop danny hobbs-awoyemi

by Margin_Walker Wed 13 Jul 2016, 19:19

Hobbs-Awoyemi is actually in the same video on the other side of the maul i think, so it's not him.

Assume it's someone on trial, or signed but not announced yet.

by exileray Wed 13 Jul 2016, 19:25

if it is a new guy that's fine by me......................................... Very Happy

by SirBurger Wed 13 Jul 2016, 19:52

There are a couple of other faces I don't recognise, but I am sure all will become clear in good time.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 21 Jul 2016, 11:56

So, Glenn Delaney out on his ear

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 21 Jul 2016, 13:18

Sad to see him go, but not a surprise really. His role is going as not really needed with the Doc there as technical director guiding Kendo as the DoR.

by SirBurger Sat 23 Jul 2016, 09:31

Ben Ransom signs on which I think is a good acquisition. Our current full back options are all fly-halfs who can also play in that position so good to have a running option there, although I suspect he will be better utilised on the wing.

Obviously we have guys like Marshall who won't be available for a few weeks into the season, as well as a few injuries I am sure, but the prospect of sending out the following team against Doncaster and making a statement of intent hugely excites me:

1. Smallbone
2. Paice (c)
3. Franks
4. De Chaves
5. Robson
6. Coman
7. Cowan
8. Treviranus

9. Steele
10. Tonks
11. Tikoirotuma
12. J. Williams
13. Hearn
14. Ransom
15. Bell

Bench: Ellis, Hobbs-Awoyemi, Hoskins, Sexton, Trayfoot, McKibbin, Geraghty, Fowlie

I really like the prospect of those forwards coming off the bench. In particular, I really rate Sexton and Trayfoot and think they could both be good Premiership players if we go back up. Add a bit of ballast and an ability to get us over the gain line. Trayfoot seriously underused last season.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 23 Jul 2016, 09:54

Don't expect a great deal of running threat from Bell at 15 he's got some pace and a little power but not much of a step. Howitzer of a boot and he'll kick your points though.

by SirBurger Sat 23 Jul 2016, 14:17

I think most of us aren't expecting Bell to score 50m tries. But we haven't had a proper goal kicker for at least a decade so we are hoping he will be an important signing.

by Margin_Walker Sat 23 Jul 2016, 15:12

Pre injury Homer wasn't too bad from the tee...

But yeah, Bell is a very nice option to have for some of the more attritional games we may see. Agree on Trayfoot and Sexton, the latter especially had some pretty decent cameos. Like your team for the start of the season. I'd just switch Tiks to 13 and bring Fowlie onto the wing.

No idea what's they'll go with though.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 23 Jul 2016, 17:38

I think that's definitely got to be the starting pack, with the possible exception of Smallbone, who may find himself under pressure from Hobbs-Awoyemi who is also a fine prospect at loosehead.

The backline is where the interest lies for me. When we signed Marshall, I was told he was coming as a 10, but that was under Coventry, and before the real emergence of TBC and relegation. I also understand that Tonks and Bell have both joined to get more game time in their preferred position at 10. Marshall incidentally has been sensational for the Hurricanes at 15 in the second half of the Super Rugby season and regularly steps in at 10, so could be a huge asset for us there. How long it is before he plays for us I guess depends on what shape he arrives in from Super rugby and whether he is just going to play through or will need a rest. Taking a best case scenario of him playing from game one, I'd like to see this backline go out against Doncaster.

15. Marshall
14. Ransom
13. Fowlie
12. Williams
11. Tikoroituma
10. Bell
9. McKibbin

21. Steele 22. Tonks 23. Hearn

by exileray Sat 23 Jul 2016, 18:59

SirBurger wrote:Ben Ransom signs on which I think is a good acquisition. Our current full back options are all fly-halfs who can also play in that position so good to have a running option there, although I suspect he will be better utilised on the wing.

Obviously we have guys like Marshall who won't be available for a few weeks into the season, as well as a few injuries I am sure, but the prospect of sending out the following team against Doncaster and making a statement of intent hugely excites me:

1. Smallbone
2. Paice (c)
3. Franks
4. De Chaves
5. Robson
6. Coman
7. Cowan
8. Treviranus

9. Steele
10. Tonks
11. Tikoirotuma
12. J. Williams
13. Hearn
14. Ransom
15. Bell

Bench: Ellis, Hobbs-Awoyemi, Hoskins, Sexton, Trayfoot, McKibbin, Geraghty, Fowlie

I really like the prospect of those forwards coming off the bench. In particular, I really rate Sexton and Trayfoot and think they could both be good Premiership players if we go back up. Add a bit of ballast and an ability to get us over the gain line. Trayfoot seriously underused last season.

only 7 replacements in the championship match day 22 and not 23.

by SirBurger Sun 24 Jul 2016, 01:41

Wow! I didn't know that! Thought they had caught up with the times.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 28 Jul 2016, 08:21

Interesting to note from twitter that it appears Jebb is now being seen primarily as a lock rather than a back row. Also if you're on twitter and not following George Robson, do, he's a good laugh.

by exileray Thu 28 Jul 2016, 18:43

Ozzy3213 wrote:Interesting to note from twitter that it appears Jebb is now being seen primarily as a lock rather than a back row. Also if you're on twitter and not following George Robson, do, he's a good laugh.

I think jebb will be fine as a second row, any more signings likely Pete maybe a centre..................... Very Happy

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