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MIKE CATT JOINS LONDON IRISH London Irish announced today (5th May) that Mike Catt, who played such a key role in England's World Cup winning squad in October and November last, will join the London club at the start of next season. Confirming his move to London Irish, Mike Catt said, "I am really excited about playing at London Irish. The club has a good squad and is strengthening it. After twelve enjoyable years with Bath, the change will be a challenge, one that I am really looking forward to." Commenting on Mike's decision to join London Irish, the club's Managing Director, Conor O'Shea said, "This is one of the most exciting signings this club has made in recent times. Mike will add an extra dimension to our squad and to the backs in particular. His participation in and experience of the England squad will benefit London Irish. We are delighted that he is joining us in July. Catt is the second international that played in last year's World Cup to sign for the Exiles in the last fortnight. Last week the club announced the signing of Robbie Russell, the Scotland hooker, from Saracens. TEAM NEWS There are four changes to the starting line-up of the team that played Newcastle last Sunday. Rob Hoadley starts instead of Nils Mordt at inside centre, Mark Mapletoft is at outside half; Neal Hatley and Naka Drotske come in at loosehead prop and hooker respectively, both having recovered from minor injuries. Unavailable due to injury is Pierre Durant (knee). Looking forward to Saturday's match, Head Coach Gary Gold said, "We had to work hard for our victory at Kingston Park last Sunday. We will have to work every bit as hard if we are to win against a strong Saracens team on Saturday. Managing our squad to best effect gets even more difficult as we come to the end of the season so we have tried to make as few changes as possible. Chris Sheasby starts at No. 8 for what may be his last game in the Premiership. Replacements from: Adrian Flavin, Doug Wheatley, Kieran Roche, Bob Casey*, Declan Danaher, Phil Murphy*, Kevin Barrett, Barry Everitt, Nick Greenstock London Irish main sponsor Gold Circle are kindly offering the opportunity for you and five friends to watch this Saturday's match against Saracens from the comfort of their hospitality box. To enter the draw for this great prize please send your name and contact number on an e-mail with the subject 'Gold Circle Box' to kelly.adey@london-irish.com by midday on Friday 7th May. London Irish's objective of securing a Heineken European Cup place is still alive. Sunday's courageous second half performance at Newcastle secured the vital four points that keep the Exiles in the hunt for a Wildcard Play-Off place. A seventh place finish in the Premiership will guarantee a place in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday, 15th May so the scene is set for this Saturday's vital home match against Saracens. In normal circumstances a London derby has enough spice to ensure an entertaining match. On Saturday afternoon London Irish will have every incentive to go for a home victory while Saracens will want to give of their best as so many of their squad will be making a final appearance for the club. The support London Irish has received has been fantastic all season and has been much appreciated by the team. On Saturday it could make the difference. The club is asking all supporters that can to come along to Madejski Stadium to encourage the team. Kick off is at 3.00pm and tickets are available via the website or from the ticket hotline on 0118 968 1000. PLAY GOLF WITH CONOR O'SHEA London Irish 'Official Fleet Partner', e-drive would like Click here to enter the e-drive competition. The closing date for the competition is 21st May 2004 For further information about e-drive visit their website - www.e-drive.uk.com
HEADLINES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED THIS WEEK
THE BLARNEY Over 10,000 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. That's all the news and views from the London Irish camp this week, until next time.... |
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Catt (32) has been capped 62 times by England and played for the British and Irish Lions on their tour to Australia in 2001. He joins from Bath where he has played in 227 games since 1992 scoring 64 tries.
to offer supporters of London Irish the opportunity to win a round of golf with Conor O'Shea at the annual e-drive golf tournament. The golf day is being held at the superb Hempstead Forest Golf Club, Cranbrook, Kent on Friday 4th, June. The FREE prize draw is open to ALL Exiles supporters who have an official handicap and will prove to be a fantastic day for any golfer!!
