LONDON DOUBLE HEADER

The start of the Zurich Premiership season is nearly upon us, have you got your tickets for the London Double Header yet?  With just over three weeks to go, the anticipation is building for this unique event. 

The day begins with the opening of the Village in the West Car Park at 11.30am, featuring live music, club displays, merchandise and of course Guinness!  Make sure you don't miss a special 'dance off' between Digger and the other club mascots.  There will also be face painters and autograph signing sessions with non-matchday squad players.  And all this before a ball has been kicked!

Don't forget that your ticket entitles you to watch both matches and enjoy the festivities both pre and post match, including music from the Melody Fakers at midday and a set from Le Cheile at 6.00pm.

There is also the opportunity for Digger Club members to be one of fifteen team mascots to run out with the London Irish team at Twickenham!  To find out how, click here.

Tickets are on sale now for this inaugural event that will see London Irish vs. NEC Harlequins, and Saracens vs. London Wasps playing back-to-back. The best way to purchase tickets is to download the application form and pay by Cheque or Debit Card.

If you are a Season Ticket holder for the 04/05 Season, you will have been sent details on how you can apply for your match ticket(s) and additional match tickets at a discounted rate.

If you have any queries, please check out the FAQs page on the website. 

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR THE LONDON PRIDE MIDDLESEX SEVENS

London Irish brings you a chance to win a pair of tickets for the London Pride Middlesex Sevens, the world's most famous charity sevens event at Twickenham on Saturday 14 August. All 12 Zurich Premiership clubs take part in the tournament so it is often a great chance for fans to see new signings in action for the first time. The four invitation sides this year are the British Army, Loughborough University, London Welsh and Rotherham Titans.

As well as giving people of all ages the chance to watch some fast and furious quality rugby action on the pitch, it's traditionally a very social event with picnics in the West Car Park and a party atmosphere.

Some great names have appeared in the tournament over the years including current England players Richard Hill, Jonny Wilkinson and Henry Paul. London Irish will be fielding a talented sevens squad determined to give of their best on the unique Twickenham stage.

For your chance to be there and cheer them on all you have to do is answer the following question and email your answer and contact details (inc. daytime phone number) to info@london-irish.com by 10.00am on Friday, 13th August. The winner will be notified by telephone and tickets will be available for collection from Twickenham on Saturday.

Q: Which London Irish player starred in England's victory in last season's famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament?

All correct entries will be placed in a draw, the first name drawn will be the winner. Usual London Irish competition rules apply.

Tickets for the Sevens can be purchased on 0870 902 000 or via www.ticketmaster.co.uk

TONY ROQUES SIGNS FOR LONDON IRISH

London Irish announced last week that former Saracens flanker, Tony Roques has signed a one year contract with the club.

Tony (25) has been recruited to augment the club's back row playing resources. A talented and effective openside flanker, he has represented England at all age-related levels and featured in last season's England Sevens squad.

Commenting on his decision to join the Exiles Tony said, "I am looking forward to playing with London Irish in the Zurich Premiership. I want to prove myself at the top level in this country and earn a regular place in the starting line-up."

Confirming the signing, Conor O'Shea, Managing Director of London Irish said, "Because the back row is such a critical aspect of the modern game we have been on the look out for a suitable player to add to our resources. Tony's profile complements the signings that we made earlier in the summer. I'm sure his ability and experience will be a powerful addition to our squad."

TICKET ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS SEASON'S AWAY MATCHES

For the 2004-05 season, in accordance with new Zurich Premiership ticketing regulations, all clubs must offer visiting clubs a maximum of 500 tickets in all parts (standing and seating) of their grounds.

Tickets have to be offered on a sale and return basis. All unsold tickets must be returned to the host club at least 15 days prior to the match. It is anticipated tickets will be on sale six weeks prior to the date of the away match.

For London Irish supporters St. Clare's Travel, the Supporters' Club travel agent, will handle the allocation of tickets for all away matches. St. Clare's will publish prices of tickets as and when application forms are received from the various clubs. There will be a £1.00 administration fee per transaction to cover costs, etc. Credit Cards will be accepted subject to a small handling fee.

Application/allocation forms have already been received from some clubs and details of prices, etc. will be published next week.

All applications, with full payment to be made to:

St. Clare's Travel

79 Quintilis
Bracknell
Berks RG12 7QQ

Telephone : 01344 641524 ( office hours )
email: tony.stclares@ntlworld.com
Contacts: Clare or Tony

HEADLINES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED THIS WEEK
(click on the headline to see the story)

- Matchday Staff - Megastore
- New Overseas Property Partner Announced
- Twickenham Mascot Competition

THE BLARNEY

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