There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team that played against Gloucester last weekend.  Nick Greenstock makes his first appearance for the club at inside centre and Barry Everitt takes over at fly half.  The only player unavailable for selection through injury is Rob Hoadley (knee).

Commenting on Saturday's game Head Coach, Gary Gold said "Harlequins have had the best possible start to their season with two wins out of two.  They always provide a formidable challenge at The Stoop especially for London Irish!  We have struggled to find our best form in our opening games although last Sunday's performance against Gloucester was encouraging.  We are hoping to build on that at the weekend."

NEW THIS SEASON - THE 'TOUCHLINE RESTAURANT'

To celebrate the launch of this brand new package we would like to offer customers a 20% discount on bookings for our home matches against Rotherham on 26th October and Newcastle on 23rd November! 

We are delighted to confirm the opening of our new formal dining restaurant for selected matches throughout the 2003/2004 season. Enjoy a four course lunch in the comfortable surrounds of a superb new facility overlooking the pitch then step outside to your padded seat to take in the match. The package includes:

•  Luxury seats in hospitality area
• Four course lunch
• Half-time refreshments
• Car parking facilities
• Private entrance
• Complimentary Match Programme
• Host/Hostess service
• Full cash bar facilities from midday until 6pm

Price per person: £95 inclusive of VAT

Please contact us for availability and bookings by calling
01932 750113 or 01932 750114 or e-mail us at abigail.findlay@london-irish.com or kelly.adey@london-irish.com

THE MASCOT GRAND NATIONAL

As many of you will have witnessed on Sunday, Digger has been training for the Mascot Grand National which takes place this coming Sunday, 28th September at Huntingdon Racecourse starting at 1.15pm.

The British Mascot Grand National is recognised as the largest gathering of official mascots anywhere in the world with entries coming from as far afield as Australia!  The race is run over 1 furlong (220 yards) and involves six hurdles and with 100 mascots expected to take part, Digger is hopeful of improving on last year's position, "I got a taste for running in the Reading Half Marathon earlier this year. The last time I took part in the Mascot Grand National I was bone idle and came a shameful 44th, but now I'm fit as a butcher's dog I plan to do much better."

Digger is running to raise money for ex-London Irish player Jarrod Cunningham, who was diagnosed with a strain of Motor Neurone disease in the summer of 2002. Cheques should be made payable to the Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation and sent to Digger at London Irish, The Avenue, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5EQ.

LONDON IRISH NIGHT AT WAXY O'CONNOR'S

On Wednesday, 1 October, Waxy O'Connor's, Rupert Street London W1, will be playing host to players from London Irish to celebrate the start of the rugby season.

Waxy O'Connor's has had a close relationship with London Irish for several years, and to help celebrate the start of the new rugby season there will be prize giveaways, an appearance by Digger, as well as music from Le Chéile on the 1st of October - all of which should guarantee a lively evening.

Waxy O'Connor's shows all major sporting events including the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations rugby on large screens in the Church bar and Cottage bar.

During the Rugby World Cup, Waxy's will be opening at 7.30am for early matches and will also be serving a special World Cup Breakfast Menu. Regular opening times are from 12 noon until 11pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.

For more information about Waxys call 020 7287 0255 or log on to www.waxyoconnors.co.uk

IRISH START NEW SEASON WITH A BANG!

A crowd of 9,968 turned out to see London Irish beat Gloucester 16 - 10 on Sunday and enjoyed the return of the Craic at the Madejski Stadium!

The spectators were entertained by Premiership rugby and also regaled by live music on a massive outdoor stage. The musical acts performing included the Hothouse Flowers (flown in from Ireland), riverway and the traditional Le Chéile.

Fame Academy runner up Malachi performed pitch side before kick off, and crowds were also treated to a spectacular performance by award winning Irish dancers from the Aldershot based Dunlop Academy of Irish Dance. The half time entertainment was provided by Irish wolfhounds Digger and Jumbo, who completed a special obstacle course on the pitch as part of their training for the Mascot Grand National!

The impressive audience of nearly 10,000 was the highest Zurich Premiership attendance figure for last weekend, and the spectators managed to consume a remarkable 9,500 pints of Guinness. The Irish dancers were collecting for their forthcoming European tours throughout the day and managed to raise a fantastic £1120.68.

Pat Coyne, Commercial Director of London Irish, comments, "We are delighted to have started the season in such a successful way, both on and off the pitch. Rugby has returned to the Madejski and we're looking forward to our next home match against Leeds on Sunday, 5 October." 

BEEFY'S BACK!

After a long absence, Beefy's Blarney is back!  Read Neal Hatley's latest column here.

AN INTERVIEW WITH .....

This week there has been a change to the advertised player and Mark Mapletoft has been interviewed.  Kevin Barrett will have his turn next week and we are looking for your burning questions to ask him.  E-mail your questions for him to info@london-irish.com

THE BLARNEY

Over 5,500 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.