There is one change to the starting line-up of the team that played Newcastle Falcons last Sunday.  Rob Hoadley, having recovered from a viral infection, starts in place of Nils Mordt at inside centre.  Unavailable for selection because of injury are: Rob Hardwick (thumb), Kieran Roche (leg), Chris Sheasby (eye) and Ryan Strudwick (leg).

Looking forward to this weekend's match, Head Coach Gary Gold said, "Sale Sharks are a great team that I expect will finish in the top echelons of the Premiership this season.  They were a handful for us when we played them four weeks ago.  With Charlie Hodgson fully fit and Bryan Redpath back from the World Cup, I am expecting an even more severe test on Sunday."

CONGRATULATIONS ENGLAND!

London Irish is proud to send its congratulations to Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson and the England squad and management on their wonderful achievement in Sydney on Saturday.

The Club is proud to have given Clive his first coaching position at senior level in this country. In addition, London Irish was the only Premiership club to have been invited to test England in training at Pennyhill Park.

What a great day for rugby in the Northern Hemisphere!  Well done England!

SEVEN MATCHES FOR THE PRICE OF FIVE!

The mini season ticket has been launched, admitting the holder to the remaining London Irish Premiership fixtures including Round 2 of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup!  Please see this week's programme for further details.  You should also receive information in the post this week. 

From Monday, 1st December, you will be able to book tickets online for all remaining home fixtures, including the St. Patrick's Weekend fixture against Bath.

MERCHANDISE NEWS

Don't forget the Megastore is open from 12 noon this Sunday until 6.00pm (closed during the match) so you can do some Christmas shopping and not miss the action!

To help ease the queues, the Merchandise Unit will be open pre-match from 12 noon by the North Stand, selling replica shirts and accessories.  Please note the unit is cash only.

If you really can't decide what to buy, you can now purchase London Irish gift vouchers in £5 and £10 denominations - then the lucky recipient can choose their own present!

'CHRISTMAS CRAICER'

In just a few weeks the festive season will be upon us once again.  Why not get out of the house between Christmas and New Year and treat friends and family to a day out and watch us take on London Wasps on Sunday 27th December?  We are pleased to offer a special 'Yuletide' rate in our new 'Touchline Restaurant'.  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 6.00pm

Standard price per person:  £95 inclusive of VAT

Yuletide rate:  £75 inclusive of VAT
(20% off for under 16s)

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

CANTERBURY OF NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS SALE

The Canterbury of New Zealand Christmas Sale is now on at the Royal Opera Arcade (behind the Sports Cafe), 5 Pall Mall, London until 31st January 2004.  Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 6.00pm and on Saturday from 10.00am to 6.00pm you will find a whole range of products available including t-shirts, rugby jerseys, shorts, tracksuits and much more with at least 50% off!

With guest appearances from international rugby players plus the chance to win 6 Nations tickets (see in store for details) it has to be worth a visit!

Montauban - Post Match Craic

The following news has been received from Montauban - after the match they are arranging a party at the Ground to which all visiting supporters are welcome.  Montauban will be erecting a marquee and will provide Irish music.  Food and drink (including Guinness) will also be available.

The coaches back to Toulouse will now leave slightly later at 23.45.

Match Tickets - ticket office will be open 1 hour prior to kick off.

INTERVIEW WITH ......

This week we have interviewed Gary Johnson next week Naka Drotske will answer your questions. If you have any questions you would like us to put to Naka please email them to info@london-irish.com

POWERGEN CUP DRAW

Don't forget that the draws for the Quarter Final and Semi-Final of the Powergen Cup will be drawn on BBC Grandstand this Sunday, 30th November. The draw will be made on BBC2 between 1.20pm and 2pm.

Teams that will be in the draw for the Quarter Final will be:

London Irish, London Wasps, Pertemp Bees, Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, Saracens, Bath, Leeds Tykes.

BLARNEY ARCHIVE

As mentioned previously, there are still issues with sending the Blarney to AOL accounts, which is currently being looked in to.  Why not visit the Blarney Archive for recent issues.

THE BLARNEY

Over 7,000 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.