PLAYER NEWS

NICK GREENSTOCK SIGNS FOR LONDON IRISH

London Irish announced last week that Nick Greenstock, the former England international, will join the Sunbury based club at the start of next season.

Greenstock (29) has made four appearances for England at centre, scoring two tries. He joins the Exiles from NEC Harlequins where he has been since the 1999/2000 season having previously played for London Wasps.

Announcing Nick's signing, Conor O'Shea, the Managing Director of London Irish said: "We realised the need to augment our resources in the midfield and also recognise that a senior player within the squad is an essential ingredient. In this respect Nick Greenstock brings talent and experience which will be vital to the squad. We are delighted to welcome him to London Irish."

Commenting on his move to join the Exiles, Nick Greenstock said, "I am excited about the potential the London Irish squad represents, and have been impressed with the plans that Conor, Gary and Paul have for the club. The move represents a new challenge for me, and I am looking forward to it."

HORAK'S FOUR TRY BLITZ SINKS US EAGLES

Jim Mallinder, coach of the England Churchill Cup touring team, saluted Michael Horak after he scored four tries in the England XV's 36-10 victory over the US Eagles in the Churchill Cup on Saturday.

The London Irish full-back need just an hour for his contribution to a rehearsal for next Saturday's final against the same opponents at Vancouver's Thunderbird Stadium.

Horak, born in South Africa but English qualified through his Bedfordshire-born mother, said: "It's great to score four tries and generally I was pretty pleased with my own performance."

"But there is a lot to keep my feet on the ground and that we can work on. We can't rest on our laurels because next week will be different. The US has had a taste of us now and they will go away and work on a few moves to counter us."

Neal Hatley came on as a replacement for Mike Worsley in the second half - the first time three current London Irish players have ever appeared for a senior England team.

SUCCESS IN KENYA

A young London Irish touring party competed in the Safari 7s in Nairobi at the weekend.

Having been eliminated from the main competition, the young sevens team went on to win the Safari Bowl by defeating Uganda 31-17 in the final.

The main competition was won by Kenya who defeated South Africa in the final.

Corin Palmer, who coached the team, said "Our young team did well in demanding conditions against opposition that are growing ever more skilful. It was good to come away with the Bowl to add to last years success in the plate competition."

SEASON TICKET 2003/2004 - RENEWAL DEADLINE LOOMING!

Just to remind you that the deadline for renewals is this Monday 30th June.  If you have not renewed your seat by this date, it will then be released for general sale.

Please note that if you are renewing you must keep hold of your smart card as this will be validated.  (Replacement cards will cost £10).

How to purchase a Season Ticket for Season 2003/2004:

By Application Form:  Click on the following link to download an application form - Season Tickets 03-04

By Telephone: Call the Ticket Hotline, between 8am-9pm, on 0118 968 1000.

In Person: Simply visit the Ticket Office at the Madejski Stadium, Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturdays/Non-Match 9am-4pm or Post Match on Match days.

SPONSORSHIP & HOSPITALITY 2003/2004

Packages, ranging from Seasonal Boxes to Individual Hospitality, are available for next season.  Prices from £48.50 per person per game.

There are also a variety of sponsorship packages, including player sponsorship at £250.

To get details please e-mail Abigail Findlay (abigail.findlay@london-irish.com).

THE SPORT SHOW - THE ULTIMATE SPORTS DAY!

Fancy taking the children to a fantastic sports event this summer?  Want to particpate in rugby skills with London Irish?  If so, then read on ......

From the 4th - 6th July, Earls Court will be transformed into a fabulous interactive sports extravaganza where visitors will have a unique opportunity to try out a huge range of sports and mingle with their sporting heroes. 

The Sport Show consists of fourteen different sport zones where workshops, competitions and demonstrations have been organised under the expert guidance of sports champions and premier league stars.

London Irish supporters are in for a treat as we will be hosting 'The Rugby Zone' on Saturday 5th July.  Competitions will be taking place all day and skills sessions will include scrummaging on Predator Machine, touch rugby competitions, practice your kicking, tackling and passing skills.

London Irish are offering Blarney subscribers the opportunity to take advantage of a special '2 for 1' offer on all tickets to the show.  To benefit from this offer, please call 08702 727374 quoting RUG03*.  Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5.70 for juniors.

* This offer is open to UK and Ireland residents only.  Tickets are non-refundable and no cash alternative will be offered.  Tickets must be purchased by 30th June and are subject to availability.

THE BLARNEY

Over 4,900 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.