LI in the news

[dom_pedro]

Finally confirmation that Delon Armitage is off to Toulon to join Steffon and Guy this week, but what about this http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17770891 ?? Did anyone suspect that Shane Geraghty would return to London Irish?

Geraghty at 10 with Tomas O'Leary at #9 could be quite interesting to watch.

Shane Geraghty coming back underlines that Brian Smith is now absolutely in charge. Such a move would have been unthinkable had Toby Booth been responsible for recruitment. Geraghty's relationship with Booth and Mike Catt had completely broken down after his departure. This will increase speculation about Catt's future at the club. There is no questioning Geraghty's ability as an attacking fly-half but he will have bridges to build with club and supporters

[paultheplumber]

Things are starting to look a bit better

[PaulHP]

Forgive him, didn't realise we had to!

[James LI]

Now that IS a surprise.

After he club doing everything in their power to stop him leaving, he most definately was not a popular person.

Still, if Peter Richards could return.....

[PaulHP]

I was going to mention PR but couldn't bring myself to type his name

[gabriel]

The Mammy was pleased that the young Geraghty is coming home. She wasn't too pleased when he abandoned us. In fact her language was so bad she had to do extra penance after her next confessions. On this occasion she shook her ancient head with a rye smile on her lips and quoted St Luke.

"I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Lost_Sheep

I did point out that it was only the likes of Leicester who could afford a squad of 99 and still remain within the mythical cap!

[dom_pedro]

Didn't spot this in the news until today!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17784262

London Irish have agreed to release centre Shontayne Hape, who will join Montpellier next season.

Hape, 31, becomes the latest big-name departure from the Exiles with full-back Delon Armitage also announcing he is joining French side Toulon.

The New Zealand-born dual-code international has 13 caps for England and joined the club in 2011 from Bath.

I hope Irish recouped the money they spent on him - I expected a lot more from Hape when he signed.

[PaulHP]

Hasn't he got a bad knee injury? As long as he isn't replaced by Tindall!

[Loobs]

Hmm. Irish announced that he was off to the States for rehab and perhaps surgery. Looks like the lambs blood injection boys might get him instead.

[dom_pedro]

A great opportunity for Mike Catt to move on his career so I don't think anyone can be surprised that he's moved on to help coach England:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17908750

There are some talented young players coming through and the chance to work with them for the Barbarians game and the tour is really exciting. I'll be sad to leave London Irish and I want to say a huge thanks to all the players and coaches I have worked with since 2004.

[Loobs]

Well. smith (backs/attacking coach). Catt (backs/attacking coach). Hmmmm

I think Smith has come in and though too many chiefs, despite Jake White thinking not enough.

[dom_pedro]

http://www.london-irish.com/news/Irish84641.ink

London Irish can announce today that it has signed the Super League and Catalan Dragons’ star Setaimata Sa on a three year deal.

Standing 6’3” and weighing in at 102kgs, Setaimata is a powerful, imposing and versatile player who is able to play both as a line-breaking centre or back-rower. His impressive combination of speed, agility, skill and physicality enable him to play a number of positions, all at the highest level. He is equally comfortable breaking the line as a power runner or using his outstanding play-making skills to release his team mates in the wider channels.

Hmmm, sounds like an interesting character .

[gabriel]

I gather there will be an announcement of another significant signing tomorrow.

What is Bish going to be doing?

[Loobs]

Gabriel, you tease.

Keep this up and you'll have to change your monicker to TheMightyGabriel

More later....

[PaulHP]

London Irish sign fly-half Ian Humphreys from Ulster - I wasn't expecting that, good competition for Shane.

BBC Sport

[Shawshank]

So we get Humphries, Shane and Sa for Jarvis, Billy Bowden and MrHappy.

I'd say that Shane and Billy are about equal, the other 2 departees appear to be much weaker players than those that are replacing them.

Looks v.encouraging in midfield for next term...

[Loobs]

Looks like Bish is out of a job.

It should be one hell of an interesting season coming up. My expectationometer is in the red.

[PaulHP]

Jonathan Fisher has rejoined London Irish after spending the last year playing for Bedford Blues.

BBC

[dom_pedro]

A new Prop : http://london-irish.com/news/Irish84848.ink

London Irish has signed Ospreys tight head prop forward Cai Griffiths.

Griffiths, who can also operate at loose head, has made over 100 appearances for the Welsh province, competing in the Rabo Direct Pro 12, LV and Heineken Cups.

[dom_pedro]

... and a new forwards coach announced.

http://london-irish.com/news/Irish84858.ink

London Irish can today confirm that Glenn Delaney will become the Club’s new Forwards Coach with immediate effect.
The New Zealander joins from Championship side Nottingham, where he has been Director of Rugby for the last seven years.

[gabriel]

The Mammy is quietly confident about next season. This appears to be the result both of the news of recent signings, both players and coaches, and of a visit to Lough Derg. Apparently she offered it up for success next season. So there can be no excuses!

[Loobs]

Have the blisters on her feet recovered after the pilgrimage?

[gabriel]

It's the corns she complains of most. Quite likes the black tea however.
Thankfully the pilgrimage gene, and the corns, haven't been passed on.