There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team that played Gloucester two weeks ago.  Nick Kennedy replaces the injured Bob Casey (calf muscle) in the second row, and squad rotation sees Paul Gustard start instead of Declan Danaher at flanker.  Unavailable for selection due to injury are Bob Casey (calf muscle), Pierre Durant (knee) and Chris Sheasby (knee).

Looking forward to Sunday's match, Head Coach Gary Gold said, "Our last visit to Kingston Park for the Powergen Cup quarter-final was most disappointing.  This Sunday we face a Newcastle team that will be celebrating their recent Cup Final success in front of a sell-out crowd.  We know that we have a difficult task on our hands."

PLEASE NOTE:  Newcastle Falcons have confirmed this morning that the kick off time will be 3pm and not 2.30pm as previously stated. 

FINAL PREMIERSHIP MATCH

The countdown has begun with less than two weeks  until London Irish's final Premiership Match of the 2003-2004 season.  Saturday 8th May sees the Exiles take on London rivals Saracens (KO 15:00).  Book your tickets via the ticket hotline on 0118 968 1000 or save money and book online.

LONDON IRISH INTERNATIONAL MINI FESTIVAL

At a glorious Sunbury last Sunday, 1700 boys and girls aged between 7 and 12, representing 19 mini rugby clubs from three countries including Ireland and Italy, competed at the 23rd London Irish International Mini Rugby Festival.

A crowd of over 4000 proud parents, grandparents and siblings were witness to some fantastic competition, from tag rugby for the 7 and 8 year olds, to full contact rugby for the 9 to 12 year olds.

In the under 8 competition the London Irish under 8B team won the Plate against Marlow, whilst at under 9 the As shared the Plate with Amersham and the Bs were runners up in the shield to Northern.

London Irish Under 10s with their medals presented by Paul Gustard, Barry Everitt and Kieron Dawson

However, the highlight of the day for London Irish was in the under 10 competition where London Irish ran out winners in both the A and B Cup competitions. The A final saw the Irish defeat local rivals Richmond 10-5 in one of the best mini rugby games many of the seasoned watchers had ever seen, whilst in the B final Irish defeated the Kent club Tunbridge Wells.

However, there was only one real winner on Sunday and that was the game of rugby which as this competition proved is thriving, especially at London Irish in Sunbury.

Well done to the organisers and all those who took part and a special thank you to Keith Simpson for the photo and report.

OFF-ROADING WITH LAND ROVER AND LONDON IRISH

Newbury Showground was the setting for an exciting afternoon of off-roading last week for four of London Irish's key players.  Bob Casey, Barry Everitt, Phil Murphy and Paul Sackey spent the afternoon off-roading with competition winner Mr Gerry O'Shea and Lancaster Land Rover, Reading.

Newbury Showground hosts a purpose built off-road track giving guests the opportunity to test their driving prowess through a variety of obstacles and challenges.  The boys practised driving a Freelander, Discovery and Defender through a variety of obstacles and challenges.  The weather proved to be an extra challenge as heavy rain fell throughout the afternoon, testing even the most powerful Land Rover vehicles!

Senior Sales Executive James Burton-Stewart said, "The wet weather actually contributed to the success of the day, and enabled Lancaster Land Rover to show off the Land Rover range to its full extent. We were extremely pleased with how the day went and are looking forward to being able to take more customers on the challenge."

Mr O'Shea (no relation!) won the great prize after entering Land Rover's competition at Irish's St Patrick's Weekend match last month.

The four participating London Irish players all have a passion for cars and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.  Paul Sackey and Irish international Bob Casey both drive 4 wheel drive vehicles and appreciated the opportunity to see what the cars are really capable of besides the daily commute!  Bob comments, "Land Rover ran a great off-roading afternoon and the cars are fantastic.  The most challenging had to be the Defender but it's amazing to see what even an automatic Freelander is capable of."

All in all the day was a huge success which allowed players and prizewinner alike to experience the elements that define Land Rover's partnership with rugby - performance, power and technical skill. For more information log on to www.landrover.co.uk and click on the Experience icon.

PLAYERS' AWARDS DINNER

There are only a few places remaining for this year's Players' Awards Dinner, being held on Thursday 13th May in the Ballroom of the Millennium Mayfair Hotel.  

With the menu specially created for us by celebrity chef Brian Turner CBE and a great evening planned including Dave Finnegan's 'Commitments', you won't want to miss it!

Tickets are priced at £120 inc VAT per person or £1200 inc VAT for a table of 10, which can include the company of a player and their partner if you wish.

To book please contact Kelly on 01932 750113 or e-mail kelly.adey@london-irish.com

PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

The finalists have now been decided - this year's Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final will be contested between NEC Harlequins and Montferrand at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 22nd May 2004, kick off 12 noon.

To purchase tickets call 0118 968 1000 or click here.

HEADLINES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED THIS WEEK
(click on the headline to see the story)

- Sweet Chariot Tour stops in Reading
- London Irish appoints Sales Manager
- A barking big thank you from Digger

THE BLARNEY

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