|
||||||||
|
TWO EXPERIENCED INTERNATIONALS SIGN FOR LONDON IRISH London Irish signalled its intention of competing more consistently and effectively in next season's Zurich Premiership and European competitions with the expected announcement today (11th May) that two experienced, international players: Peter Poulos and Scott Staniforth, will join the club next season. Peter Poulos (26), the Samoan back row forward, joins after a season in Japan. Peter, who has four international caps, played against England in the exciting World Cup pool match in Australia in October last. Scott Staniforth (26), the Australian wing and centre, joins from New South Wales Waratahs for whom he has made 71 appearances. Scott has been capped three times by Australia. Commenting on his move to the northern hemisphere, Scott Staniforth said, "I am excited about playing in England with London Irish. The club has some outstanding individual players that I am looking forward to working with and helping it compete for a top three place in next season's Zurich Premiership." Conor O'Shea, Managing Director of London Irish, said, "We are delighted to have signed another two international players of the calibre of Peter and Scott. Over the past fortnight we have announced the signing of seven players, all of whom have won representative honours. They represent a serious and necessary improvement in the quality of our squad for next season." "The signings of both Peter and Scott are not short term signings," Mr O'Shea continued, "both players are young enough to integrate into our current squad and as they mature, become a formidable force. The new players will also benefit the young Academy players coming through our system by exposing them to different rugby backgrounds, ideas and cultures." Peter Poulos Country: Samoa (4 caps)
Scott Staniforth Country: Australia (3 caps)
MESSAGE FROM CONOR O'SHEA "We are also saying goodbye to some great servants of the club. After three great seasons, Naka Drotske takes his leave to return to South Africa. Naka has been one of the best players this club has ever had and we wish him and his family well. "What of Chris Sheasby? I wouldn't want to say goodbye to him quite yet, because you just never know. Having said that, words could not sum up our admiration for what Chris has achieved in the game and at this club. Wherever he goes, he goes with our blessing and good wishes for happiness in his life. "A number of other players and management are taking their leave of the club during the close season. While it is always hard to see friends move on, it is an unfortunate part of professional sport, one we as a club try to achieve in as painless a way as possible for those concerned. To Kevin Burke, Kevin Brennan, Ollie Hoad, Matt Cannon, Ed Thrower and Nick Greenstock as well as several Academy players I would like to say "thank you" and wish you all well for the future. "On a personal note I would like to formally thank Richard Mack, our Head Physiotherapist and Dirk Williams, our Conditioning Coach, for all their time and effort with the club in getting us to where we are today. Richard joined at the same time as myself as a student physio and has been with us ever since. We have become close, probably due to the amount of time I have spent on the physio couch with him over the years! Richard goes on to further studies and, I have no doubt, an outstanding career. "Dirk Williams is a man you cannot help but like. He and his family intend going back to their Southern Hemisphere roots and he goes with some great memories. It is strange to think that someone who can inflict so much pain on people can engender so much affection amongst that same group. "So as with the end of every season, it is an emotional time in all clubs. With your unbelievable support and some huge attendances - which we must look to surpass next season - we have placed the club on a stable footing to move forward. I am hugely excited about what we can all achieve and build together in time. We are keeping the strong core of our squad together, with some impressive new additions to add some spice and I look forward to our players maturing together over the coming years. With the support of our sponsors, the best supporters in the country, and Academy system ready to deliver under Corin Palmer and Toby Booth and commercial and financial teams that all want the same thing, there are exciting times ahead at London Irish. "I understand that rugby is about the here and now and the players and coaches understand that more than anyone. Believe me, we are building the cornerstones for an exciting future at London Irish and it is going to get better. By building success, rather than buying it, we will get the ultimate satisfaction as well as sustainability. It is why we are a family club and will grow together for a great future. Yes, there are some tough times and we will suffer the ups and downs together, but that is how the team and supporters become woven into the same fabric at this club. "Enough of the future. On behalf of us all at the club, thank you for your continued support throughout the season."
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.
|
 |
|||||||
|
||||||||
