By GTD
August 25 2006

Rest assured, all of the usual preview contents will be included – the ‘ins and outs’, the highlights of last season, the anticipation of many more highlights ahead. This year however there seems to be one addition to our club – belief. Whilst it is a very quiet belief it is growing and building into something that you can almost reach out and touch!

Last season saw us finish 3rd ahead of the likes of Wasps, Saints and Gloucester. We made it to a European Final and qualified for the premier European Rugby Tournament in the Heineken Cup. Did any of us, even with our green tinted glasses on really think that was possible with a new man at the helm in Brian Smith (from now on known simply as God) with a new team around him, and new players in many positions, most of which we didn’t know that much about.

Brian performed many masterstrokes last season but the one that sticks in my mind was the ‘Dom Feaunati at No.12’ decision against the Wasps. No-one knew what was going on, nobody understood the decision to play Dom there. Why wasn’t Catty there? Dom’s not been playing that well has he? 1 minute after kick-off and we all knew exactly what he was doing there and the rest is history, including Wasps’ 16 month unbeaten home record. That game, despite not being there, was my personal favourite and will stay with me as the moment that London Irish stood up, were counted and became noticed by all around as a serious team of rugby professionals who on their day, can take on anyone and actually win !

So what lies ahead? Another Top 4 finish in the GP should be our aim. Anything else would be seen as a step backwards on the domestic front. This would also guarantee us another appearance in the Heineken Cup. Now it’s been mentioned let’s pause for a second and weigh up our chances in the slight distraction this season that is the Heineken Cup : by no means a comfortable group – the mighty Toulouse, the Celtic champions Ulster and Llanelli.

I think even with the aforementioned ‘belief’ 3rd is a realistic aim and anything more than that will be a huge bonus.

So what of the domestic scene? Whilst providing score updates on the message board for the Middlesex 7s I noticed one of my co-eds stating on our arrival into the quarter finals “anything from here on in will be a bonus”. The team proceeded to get to the semi-finals and were only overpowered by Leicester in the last 2 minutes. Is a Top 4 finish now ‘the norm’ for London Irish? Believe!

8 new signings to speak of :

Steffon Armitage – flanker from Saracens. The ‘Armitage Takeover’ continues and long may it last. From reports of the rugby night at Sunbury Steffon was already showing glimpses of why BS has signed him. With several first team appearances to his name at Sarries and playing alongside the likes of Magne and Murphy things can only go one way for the new ‘Armitage arrival’.

Tonga Tea’aetoa – Tongan International Prop signed from Pau. A man with a name of a country who I’m told is the size of a small country. Brings with him experience from the Waratahs and Pau. Can handle both sides of the scrum and looks to be a great asset in a vital area where we showed such improvement last season. Great to see BS hasn’t rested on his laurels in the front row.

James Hudson – England Saxons lock forward signed from Bath back in April. He was signed some time ago but that doesn’t dampen the excitement at his arrival. He’s already linked up with Kennedy and Roche in the England Saxons set up and will be a valuable addition to our much respected Casey / Kennedy / Roche second row set up.

Stuart Mackie – England U21 hooker signed from Newcastle. Young Stuart joins a plethora of talent at the hooker position at the club competing with Danie Coetzee, David Paice and Robbie Russell. Such strength in depth at one position will be vital to get us through a long season.

Seilala Mapusua – All Blacks U21 centre signed from Otago. His experience in four Super 12/14 seasons will be vital in a vital role. Described by BS as an ‘impact centre that will add another dimension to our midfield’. He has already played alongside our very own Rikki so we look forward to that combination being reunited very soon. What riches of talent we have in so many positions!

Aiden McCullen – former Irish International flanker signed from Toulouse. Yet more strength in depth as BS signs a flanker from Toulouse who has played in Heineken Cup, International and Celtic League level. His experience will be vital as we match up against Toulouse in the HC.

Richie Rees – Welsh U21 Scrum Half signed from the Ospreys. As BS put it ‘more capable cover’ in a crucial position. From what was seen of him at the Middlesex 7s he should be pushing Dodge and Ben all the way for the No.1 spot. A solid scrum half with a fierce tackle and he certainly knows where the try line is!

Dave Fitter – Australian International Prop Forward signed from Western Force. Clearly influenced by Scotty Staniforth in his decision to move to the club Dave will add yet more strength to a front row that we will need to keep firing throughout a tough year.

All in all a longer list of names than was probably expected to join us in the off season. A list of names with no huge star names amongst them but when you read about them and hear what others have to say all you can glean are words such as ‘solid’, ‘strong’, capable’, ‘respected’, ‘international experience’. Yet again belief needed that the man at the top knows his stuff, he’s not let us down yet after all.

Combine that little lot with key players back from injury in the likes of Dominic Shabbo – already performed at the Middlesex 7s showing his blistering pace, Kieran Roche who is back from injury and hopefully the speedy recovery by Nils Mordt and it just seems to be getting better and better. Another to catch the eye scoring tries at the Middlesex 7s was David Howells who also bagged 5 tries at the Rosslyn Park 7s. You can keep your Varndells and Voyces. If you want pace keep an eye on Topsy Ojo, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Delon Armitage, Dominic Shabbo and David Howells. Anyone know who’s the fastest??

It would be remiss of me not to mention certain names who have left the club in the off-season. It’s rare that the word stalwart applies but we’re losing a few – names such as Flavin, Gustard, Dawson, Hardwick, Edwards, Strudwick amongst others who go onto pastures new with our fond memories and best wishes for a fantastically successful time in their future.

So there you have it. It’s nearly upon us. The pre-season against Leinster beckons, the championship opener against our old enemy Harlequins just over the horizon.

Top 4 has to be in our sights. Should we believe that possible? There’s nothing to argue with it.

Heineken Cup – should one of my co-ed’s quotes apply i.e.“anything after the group rounds would be a bonus”? If you believe anything’s possible.

So sit back, hang on tight and enjoy the ride. One thing’s for sure, it’s great to be back!