With no players in any of the World Cup squads London Irish is in the fortunate position of being able to select its team for this opening Premiership fixture from almost a full strength squad. Unavailable for selection through injury are Nick Greenstock (hamstring) and Rob Hoadley (knee). In Greenstock's absence 19 year old Nils Mordt makes his Premiership debut at inside centre. London Irish hopes to record its fourth victory in succession over the Tigers.

HOTHOUSE FLOWERS TO HEAT UP THE MADEJSKI STADIUM!

The Hothouse Flowers have been confirmed as one of the star acts on the outdoor stage at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, 21 September before the London Irish vs. Gloucester match.  The legendary Irish band, who have just returned from a tour of the US, have had hits with songs including 'Don't Go' and 'I Can See Clearly Now'.

The three key band members are Liam O'Maonlai, Fiachna O'Braonain and Peter O'Toole and originally formed in 1984 from a blues background.  The band plays Irish rock and have reached superstar fame in their native Ireland, also achieving success and musical acclaim in the UK and abroad.  Having completed six albums and a series of world tours, their musical ability is undisputed and their fantastic live performances renowned.

The Hothouse Flowers will be one of three bands playing at the Madejski on Sunday, 21 September, with a set starting at approximately 1pm.  They will be supported by London Irish house band Le Chéile and riverway, a new Irish formation.  Fame Academy's Malachi will also make a guest appearance in support of GOAL, the international humanitarian and relief agency that is one of London Irish's official charities this season.

London Irish is kicking off the return of rugby to the Madejski with a party with entertainment planned for all the family throughout the day.  In addition to the Zurich Premiership rugby match on the pitch, live music from 12noon until 8pm, a bouncy castle, Irish dancers and the compulsory extra drink stands will keep the whole family amused.

Tickets can be bought via the ticket hotline, 0118 968 1000, or save £2 by booking via the website.

TRY B4 YOU BUY

Season Ticket Offer
London Irish is offering a unique incentive to fans who are still considering buying a season ticket for the 2003 / 2004 rugby season.   For supporters who attend the match against Gloucester on Sunday, 21 September and wish to purchase a Season Ticket, London Irish will refund your match ticket in full.

What is the procedure?  You must keep hold of your Ticket Stub (as this will be your proof of attendance).  Fill in a Season Ticket Application Form and attach the stub to the form.  Either take your form in person to the Ticket Office or send it back to the Madejski Stadium.  Your match ticket will be refunded once your application has been successful.

This offer is only available for attendees at the Gloucester game, and is valid till Friday 3rd October.

WEBSITE FEEDBACK

The new website has been up and running for just over a month now, and we would like to know what you think.  Visit the feedback page to send us your views.

EXILES CLUB OFFER FOR THE 'RETURN OF THE CRAIC'

We have a limited number of spaces available in our Exiles Club for the first game of the season.  Enjoy a three course buffet meal then watch us take on Gloucester on Sunday 21st September from the comfort of a luxury hospitality seat on the half way line.

As this is our opening match of the 2003/2004 season, we are offering the package at last season's price of £100 inc. VAT per person.

If you would like to join us, please contact Kelly on 01932 750113 or e-mail kelly.adey@london-irish.com

ANOTHER STOUT CHALLENGE FOR THE LONDON IRISH PLAYERS
Guinness offers squad the opportunity to help the Jarrod Cunningham Foundation

For the third season in succession the London Irish squad has received a challenge from Guinness, the club's official beer sponsor.

Once again the brewer of the drink much loved by the Club's players and supporters alike is offering the squad the chance to take over a pub for a night, including free Guinness Draught for the players and their guests!  However, there are two important conditions: that the squad use the evening to raise as much money as they can for the Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation, and that they successfully complete the challenge.

To win the challenge the squad must qualify for next season's Heineken Cup. If they fail to achieve the players will have to carry a full keg of Guinness Draught from the famous Park Royal Brewery in North West London to The O'Conor Don in Marylebone - a distance of some seven miles - where it will be autographed by the squad and then auctioned for the charity.

London Irish coach Gary Gold, Club captain Ryan Strudwick and the players are taking the challenge very seriously. Gary said, "Assuming we qualify for Europe, the prospect of having free access to a great pub for a night provides the basis for a very enjoyable end of season celebration and the opportunity to raise money for Jarrod's Foundation. Have no doubt that we want to win this challenge."

Paul Clarke, Guinness brand manager said, "The aim of this sporting challenge is to encourage the squad across the season and to hopefully help them raise money for a very worthy cause involving a former colleague. No doubt we will have some fun together along the way - thankfully that is still an important aspect of life at London Irish and reflects the special relationship we have with the Club - and I hope we will all be celebrating with a pint of Guinness at the end of the season!"

COAST TO COAST WALK FOR JC SALSA FOUNDATION

Carrie Cunningham and Sian Isaac have decided to put their best feet forward and walk from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, following the route of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for the Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation. The SALSA Foundation raised over £100,000 for sufferers of MND in its first year alone, but the need to raise more funds continues.

Leaving Bowness on Sunday, 28th September 2003, the walking partners hope to complete the 84 mile walk in 6 days, reaching Wallsend on Saturday, 4th October. If you would like to sponsor the girls on their walk, please email salsafund@aol.com or send cheques made payable to 'The Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation' to the Foundation at 12 Biggin Hill Close, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey  KT2 5GB.

LISC AGM

The LISC AGM is being held this Thursday 11th September.  For further details and to view the agenda please visit the website.

AN INTERVIEW WITH .....

This week is the turn of Pierre Durant.  We are looking for your burning questions to ask the players, and next week Paul Gustard will be interviewed.  E-mail your questions for him to info@london-irish.com

THE BLARNEY

Over 5,100 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.