There are four changes to the starting line up of the team that played Sale Sharks last Sunday.  In the forwards, Paul Gustard replaces the injured Declan Danaher (back).  In the backs Ed Thrower takes over from Michael Horak at fullback, Nick Greenstock replaces Geoff Appleford at outside centre, and Mark Mapletoft comes in at fly half in place of the injured Barry Everitt (hamstring).  Also unavailable for selection because of injury are Rob Hardwick (thumb), Kieran Roche (leg), Chris Sheasby (eye) and Ryan Strudwick (leg).

Looking forward to this weekend's match, Head Coach Gary Gold said, "When you play away in France you know you are in for a tough contest.  All French teams want to do well in front of their home crowds.  Montauban will be no different, they have a powerful and experienced pack with lively backs that will provide a stern test for us."

ZURICH A LEAGUE

The Zurich A League kicks off this Monday night with London Irish taking on London Wasps at Sunbury.  Kick off is at 7.30pm.

IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT - LI MINI SEASON TICKET 
 
London Irish have launched the Mini Season Ticket covering the remainder of the 03/04 Season. The Mini Season Ticket, which starts from the London Wasps match on Saturday 27th December, gives you the opportunity to watch the remaining 7 home fixtures, with prices starting from £90 for Adults and £25 for Concessions.

The Mini Season Ticket can be purchased over the telephone via the Ticket Hotline on 0118 968 1000 or by post via an application form, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

KIDS GO FREE!

Kids go free at the London Irish Christmas match against London Wasps on Saturday, 27 December!  There will be special activities and entertainment for kids at the match - guaranteeing fun for all the family.  To get into the Christmas spirit with free tickets for Under 16s, book seats at www.london-irish.com or call the ticket hotline on 0118 968 1000. 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE MEGASTORE

Now that it's December, it is time to seriously consider your Christmas shopping and at London Irish we want to ensure that your shopping experience is as easy and stress free as possible.

Shopping with London Irish for Official Merchandise could not be easier using one of the following:

In person - the Megastore at the Madejski Stadium is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.50pm and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. During the lead up to Christmas we will be open on Thursdays until 8.00pm for late night shopping.

Please note that on London Irish match days the Megastore is open from 12noon to 6.00pm (closed during the match).

The website - you can order online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mail Order Hotline - You can place an order by phone during office hours on 0118 968 1239.

Mail Order Brochure - We are more than happy to send you a copy of the new merchandise brochure if you'd prefer. Please e-mail hannah.wyatt@london-irish.com with your name and address. Then complete the order form and return with your payment (PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE POST!)

Delivery for Christmas

We will guarantee that orders placed by 12noon on Monday 15th December will be sent out in time for Christmas. We will continue to take and despatch orders until Friday 19th December, but are unable to guarantee you will receive them before Christmas. We aim to despatch orders within 5 working days.

Should you need any further assistance please contact Ann Stanford by e-mail londonirish@readingfc.co.uk or by calling 0118 968 1239.

Happy Shopping! 

POWERGEN CUP DRAWS 
 
Both the Quarter Finals and the Semi Finals were drawn for the Powergen Cup. The draws are as follows:-

Powergen Cup quarter-finals

Leeds Tykes v Bath
Newcastle Falcons v London Irish
London Wasps v Birmingham Solihull
Sale Sharks v Saracens

To be played weekend of 28/29th February 2004.

Ticket details for our match against Newcastle Falcons will be announced as soon as they are known.

Powergen Cup semi-finals

Newcastle Falcons/London Irish v London Wasps/Birmingham Solihull
Sale Sharks/Saracens v Leeds Tykes/Bath

To be played weekend of 13/14th March 2004 at home venues.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

You can now vote for your 'Player of the Month' for November.  The player chosen will receive a crate of Guinness.

Gary Gold has selected three players (Barry Everitt, Bob Casey & Declan Danaher) as his 'Player of the Month'.  You may agree with one of Gary's selection or have your own choice.  All you have to do is vote for your 'Player of the Month' in the Poll on the homepage of the website.

The poll will close on Friday 12th December.

INTERVIEW WITH ......

This week we have interviewed Naka Drotske next week Nils Mordt will answer your questions. If you have any questions you would like us to put to Nils please email them to info@london-irish.com

INVITATION FROM GOAL
One of London Irish's Official Charities  

"Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Night"

Now that the Christmas Season is upon us, GOAL UK would like to invite you to the "MORE THAN Mulled Wine and Mince Pies" fundraising event at Jury's Doyle Hotel, Kensington on Tuesday 9th December from 7.00pm. Not only will there be the essential wine, pies and festive cheer, but this year the event will also include part of the GOAL photo exhibition featuring images from GOAL's 26 years of overseas work in humanitarian work and disaster relief.

Founded in 1977 by sports journalist John O'Shea, GOAL is working in 19 countries on such projects as emergency relief, mother and child healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, HIV/AIDS low cost housing and long-term development. Thanks to the generosity of private sponsors, all proceeds from the night will go directly to GOAL's overseas work.

How to book:

Tickets are priced at £15 and are available from the GOAL UK Office. Should you wish to book by e-mail then please entitle the email 'Mulled Wine'. In the interests of keeping administration costs to a minimum, this year we will be sending a secure 'virtual ticket' to all who order by e-mail.

If you are not in London, but know people who are and who might be interested in attending, we would really appreciate it if you could pass on this invitation to them.

With thanks and best wishes from GOAL UK.

Date: Tuesday, 9th December
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Location: Jury's Hotel, South Kensington
Tickets: £15

GOAL UK
7 Hanson St, London, W1W 6TE
Tel: +44 (0)20 7631 3196
Fax: +44 (0)20 7631 3197
Website: www.goal.ie
Registered charity no. 1002941

BLARNEY ARCHIVE

As mentioned previously, there are still issues with sending the Blarney to AOL accounts, which is currently being looked in to.  Why not visit the Blarney Archive for recent issues.

THE BLARNEY

Over 7,000 people have currently subscribed to the Blarney; do you forward this to your mates? Or do you print it out and pass it around? Well, why not provide us with their e-mail address so that they can receive their own personal copy. E-mail Jon Salinger (jon.salinger@london-irish.com) with e-mail addresses. Let us try and spread the word of London Irish to a much greater audience.