London Irish

Topsy Ojo: Ready for his breakthrough season

Club Details

Madejski Stadium
Junction 11, M4
Reading
RG2 OFL

Stadium Capacity: 24,100 (all seated)
Website: www.london-irish.com
Founded: 1898

- 2008/9 Season Preview -

Skybet title odds - 14/1

Last time around: What the Exiles lacked in the domestic league they certainly made up for on the European stage as they wowed spectators the world over. Led by former boss Brian Smith and with the help of then assistants Mike Catt and Toby Booth, Irish came desperately close to blowing away giants Toulouse at Twickenham but it wasn't to be. Heads should be high though as it was definite progress excluding the seventh-place GP finish!

This time around? It's hard to tell how much the loss of architect Smith will affect London Irish over the coming months. However, the appointment of inside man and the highly thought-of Booth may aid their cause. Improved domestic form has to be top of the Exiles' agenda!

Coach: Brian Smith's number two is now Irish's number one! Toby Booth will be looking to get his charges back into the play-off mix this time around and with England World Cup veteran Mike Catt taking on greater tracksuit responsibilities as part of an expanded player-coach role.

One to watch: Wing Topsy Ojo enjoyed the season of his life in 2007/08, which culminated with two debut scores for England against the All Blacks in Auckland. And we see no reason why the strong finisher can't repeat his achievements on the Guinness Premiership stage this term with Peter Hewat and Sailosi Tagicakibau contributing further points for the Exiles.

In: Chris Hala'ufia (Harlequins), James Buckland (Wasps).

Out: Phil Murphy (Viadana), Gonzalo Tiesi (Harlequins), Mark Ireland (Cornish Pirates), Nils Mordt (Northampton), Aidan McCullen (Lansdowne), Jeremy Staunton (Wasps).

PR Prediction: 6th