TEAM NEWS
There are no changes to the team that played Leeds Tykes two weeks ago. Eight substitutes have been named as a number of players will undergo fitness tests prior to kick-off. Unavailable for selection due to injury are: Pierre Durant (neck) and Rob Hardwick (knee). The Replacements will be named tomorrow (Friday) - check the website for details.
Looking forward to Saturday's match, Head Coach, Gary Gold said: "This will be one of the toughest matches of our season. Leicester are almost back to full strength and are beginning to show the form that has won them four Premiership titles. John Wells and Neil Back will have prepared the Tigers well off the pitch, on the pitch Martin Johnson will lead by example as only he can. While we did well to win away at Leeds a fortnight ago, we will have to raise our game to another level if we are to have any chance of securing a result against this formidable east Midlands team."
CASEY AND EVERITT RE-SIGN
London Irish announced on Monday (16th February) that 
Bob Casey and Barry Everitt have signed new contracts with the club that will keep them with the Exiles for another two and three seasons respectively.
The renewals have been achieved within the financial constraints of the Premier Rugby salary cap.
Commenting on the retention of the two players the club's Managing Director, Conor O'Shea, said: "Given the age and talent of both Bob and Barry it is good news that we have retained their services. Both players make an important contribution to the club both on and off the field.
"We are making good progress in building a strong core of talented players at London Irish. We are looking forward to adding greater depth and experience to our squad over coming months and next season so that we will be able to compete effectively in the Zurich Premiership and in Europe," Mr O'Shea added.
BARBARIANS TEAM ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to Bob Casey, Kieron Dawson and Declan Danaher, who have been named in the Barbarians Squad to face Leicester Tigers on Wednesday 3rd March at Welford Road, Leicester. KO is at 19:45.
ZURICH 'A' DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Congratulations to the team who beat Saracens,
44-6 at Sunbury on Tuesday night. They now top the
Zurich 'A' League South.
The next game in the Zurich 'A' Development League against NEC Harlequins on Monday 23rd February at Sunbury, KO 19:30.
WATCHING THE 6 NATIONS ON SATURDAY
London Irish fans attending the home match against Leicester Tigers this Saturday, 21 February, are advised that the Scotland vs. England 6 Nations game will be shown in selected bars at the Madejski Stadium (KO 5.30pm). Kick off has been brought forward to 2.30pm to facilitate this and the match will be shown on TVs in the North Stand bar and also in the Atrium Bar and Windsor Lounge (Millennium Madejski Hotel) which are open to all spectators. In the Windsor Lounge the match will also be projected onto the back wall, larger than a typical TV screen.
The match will also be shown in all the hospitality boxes and two other designated areas for hospitality guests only, these areas will close after the final whistle of the international match.
The shuttle bus service to Reading Station has also been extended, and the final bus will leave the Madejski at 8pm.
MEGASTORE NEWS
As our next home game against Leicester Tigers is on Saturday 21st February, the Megastore will have extended opening hours from 9.00am to 5.30pm. Come early and avoid the crowds!
We are pleased to have bronx hats and scarves back in the Megastore, order
online today! There are also further reductions on
Contrast and Urban products, with the polos now at £15 and the t-shirts at just £10.
MERCHANDISE UNIT
The merchandise unit which is located outside the North Stand caters for those of you are who want to make a quick "buy & go" cash payment purchase. It will include the following items - Baseball hats, Bronx hats, Scarves & Replica Shirts.
IRISH DEALS
London Irish has teamed up with the companies below to offer our fans some of the best deals in cyberspace! By purchasing from these companies, revenues will be generated which go towards the development of the Club. Just click on the
links and get shopping!
The companies involved are: WH Smith; Curry's; Boots; John Lewis; Amazon; e-drive; Action Images; lastminute.com; and e-bay.
EXILES TEAM UP WITH O'NEILL'S
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London Irish has teamed up with O'Neill's and Guinness to run a series of pub nights for London Irish supporters over the next few months. The next evening will take place at O'Neill's in Reading (Wednesday 25th February) and start at 8pm.
Eight members of the playing squad will be on hand to serve drinks between 8pm and 10.30pm. There will be special prize draws on the night, with the main prize of a signed London Irish shirt (donated by Canterbury, the London Irish Official Kit Sponsor). Raffle tickets will be given out with every pint of Guinness bought! Additional raffle prizes will include signed rugby balls and tickets for the big St. Patrick's Weekend match against Bath on Sunday 21st March.
Justin Bishop, London Irish and Ireland International, said, "The pub evenings are always a good night out and it's great to meet our supporters in an informal atmosphere. O'Neill's pubs are the perfect venue for Irish fans to meet up and we can't wait to get along to them."
Keep checking the website for updates.
Help GOAL in the build up to St. Patrick's Day
As London Irish play host to Leicester on Saturday 21st February, volunteers from one of the club's official charities, GOAL will be circulating amongst the crowd and outside the ground selling St. Patrick's Day badges in the build up to March 17th, in order to raise funds for GOAL's work with the poorest of the poor in the developing world.
GOAL's Chief Executive Officer, John O'Shea remarks: "The sale of St. Patrick's Day Badges is a simple idea; it allows people to show their pride in being Irish while at the same time supporting the poor of the developing world. Hopefully too the young people involved will themselves benefit from their participation in the scheme".
"I urge everyone in London Irish, and indeed the Leicester supporters attending the match, to support the Blackrock College campaign by buying a badge – it will only set you back a pound or two but, it can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable and impoverished families and street children in the developing world".
THE BLARNEY
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