We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year from everyone at London Irish.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

TEAM NEWS

There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team that played Rotherham Titans last Saturday. Paul Gustard starts at flanker in place of Kieron Dawson who is injured, and Chris Sheasby starts at No. 8.  Unavailable for selection because of injury are Barry Everitt (hamstring) and Kieron Dawson (knee ligament).

Looking forward to Saturday's match, Head Coach, Gary Gold said, "London Wasps are in fine form at present and are arguably the best club side in Europe.  This match will give us a yardstick against which to measure the progress we have made since the start of the season." 

BUMPER CROWD EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS CRAIC-ER!

South Stand tickets are now on sale for the London Irish vs. London Wasps match this Saturday, 27 December at the Madejski Stadium.  Due to demand the Club is also anticipating the North Stand will be opened on Saturday (West and East Stands have sold out).  Kick off is at the earlier time of 2.45pm.

Adult tickets in the South are £18 each if booked via the ticket hotline (0118 968 1000) and £16 each if booked via the website (www.london-irish.com).  KIDS GO FREE on Saturday, but must be accompanied by a paying adult.  Tickets for the North Stand will only be available on the day.

Spectators are being advised to please ARRIVE EARLY to ease traffic congestion - shuttle buses will be running from Reading Station from early morning and the last bus will depart the Stadium at 7.15pm, making public transport the easiest way to travel.

A great day for all the family is promised at the Madejski on Saturday, including;

12noon - 3pm
Face painters outside the Megastore

1 - 2pm
North Stand Craic open with live Irish music
There may be restricted access into the Craic in the event of the North Stand seating area being opened
 
2.15pm - 2.25pm
Flatulent Fairies vs. Lardon Wasps 7s match on the pitch

2.30pm - 2.35pm
Georgea Blakey and Ronan MacManus singing pitchside

Half time
Webb Ellis Trophy paraded pitchside

Throughout the afternoon, spot prizes will be given to spectators wearing fancy hats and wolfhounds Digger and Jumbo will be roaming the Stadium

London Irish is looking forward to a great day's entertainment!

MEGASTORE NEWS

The Megastore is open until 8pm tonight (Tuesday 23rd December) and from 9am until 1pm tomorrow (Christmas Eve) for those last minute gifts.

For the match against London Wasps, the Megastore will be open from 11am to 6pm. The mobile unit will also be open outside the East Stand selling shirts and a selection of accessories (cash transactions only).  We will also sell shirts from a stand in the East Stand concourse from 1.30pm.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased official merchandise this year and we look forward to seeing you in 2004!

HOSPITALITY NEWS

On behalf of the everyone at London Irish, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

With some fantastic matches coming up over the next few weeks we are pleased to confirm some great hospitality offers.  We currently have a few boxes available for our match against Northampton Saints on Sunday 4th January, please contact us for details.
 
And to celebrate the New Year we are offering discounted 'day guest' passes at the Parker Pen Challenge Cup round 2 match on Sunday 11th January 2004.  This match will be versus Narbonne.

Example of day passes for hospitality:

Exiles:   £88.00
Touchline:   £60.00
Avenue   £68.00
Executive / Founders: £44.00

Hospitality Boxes are available for £750.

All prices include VAT.

Places are strictly limited and are on a first come, first served basis.

Please contact us at  abigail.findlay@london-irish.com  or kelly.adey@london-irish.com

SUPPORTERS' CLUB TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NARBONNE

The 2nd Leg of the 2nd Round has been confirmed as taking place on Saturday 17th January, kick off 7.30pm at the Parc des Sports, Narbonne.

For details of the Supporters' Club travel arrangements, please visit the website.

THE BLARNEY

Over 7,600 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.