23rd August 2005
Issued on behalf of London Irish
During the closed season London Irish has been busy preparing for a new era at the club in rugby terms.  There has been significant investment both on and off the pitch as the club lays the foundations to mount a challenge for places in the Heineken Cup and the Guinness Premiership play-offs.

The physical preparation of the squad has received much attention.  The players returned for pre-season training in mid-June and spent the first six weeks working on their strength and conditioning.  This culminated in a week long visit to the Spala athletic training facility in Poland.

For the second half of pre-season the emphasis has been on rugby as the squad addressed the important issue of its playing style.  "From a playing perspective supporters can expect to see some changes, particularly in attack," said Brian Smith, London Irish's Director of Rugby today (23rd August).  "We realise that to be a top four team we'll have to score more tries than last season.  That involves taking more risks but the squad is excited about the challenge and we've already seen some improvement in this area of play."

"We have started out on a long term plan to change the fortunes of this ambitious club by playing not only good, entertaining rugby but also winning rugby. We want to be a real force in the game and realise that will not happen overnight.  It is a massive task to go from tenth in the league to the top four but it is achievable," continued Mr Smith.

In preparing for the challenge the club's playing squad has received much attention during the summer. Nine new players have been recruited; all bring talent, experience and a touch of "class" to augment that of the existing squad. 

The club's thirty-five man squad contains thirteen full internationals. "Six of our new recruits have arrived and are settling in well," said Mr Smith.  They have shown plenty of class in the pre-season trials.  The others will join us over coming weeks. Already there is healthy competition for places in the match twenty-two and that is important." 

The squad also reflects the growing contribution of the club's thriving Academy.  Five players have graduated to full time professional status and more will come through during the season.

"With each passing season the game becomes more and more a young man's game," said Mr Smith, "The average age of our squad is 25, however, young players need room to develop their skills and by recruiting some very experienced players we are creating the environment in which the younger men can do so. We are very conscious of building something special here at London Irish."

Off the pitch the club has improved its training facilities with significant investment in a new irrigation system for the training pitch, new offices for the coaching staff, enhanced medical support services and a squad room equipped with the latest computer based analysis systems. 

In addition, the team of coaches and support staff has been strengthened and re-structured.  Brian Smith is Director of Rugby with Toby Booth as Forwards Coach.  They are supported by Peter Harding as Director of Physical Performance, Tony Stanger as Speed and Skills Coach.  Kieran McCarthy continues as Rugby Manager and Ryan Strudwick has been re-appointed as club captain. 

The club has played two pre-season games to date scoring a total of seven tries in registering victories over NEC Harlequins (28-14) and Ulster (17-9).

The London Irish team management this season is as follows:

Director of Rugby: Brian Smith
Forwards Coach: Toby Booth
Director of Physical Performance:      Peter Harding
Speed and Skills Coach: Tony Stanger
Team Doctors: Mike Bundy and Mike Rossiter
Physiotherapist: Andrew Leaver
Assistant Physiotherapist: Megan Crossley
Rugby Manager: Kieran McCarthy
Head of Media and PR: Paddy Lennon