Kidney ready to tackle Premiership ‘mountain’ with Irish

THE champagne corks had barely finished popping before promoted London Irish were being warned of their ‘mountain-sized’ challenge to stay in the English Premiership next season. The Exiles guaranteed their promotion with a game to spare, romping to 46-7 win over Richmond with loaned Munster outhalf Ian Keatley chipping in with two conversions. However, London Irish coach Declan Kidney (left) claimed they would be ‘foolish’ to rest on their laurels. With a cash injection from CVC, the club are now ready to push the button on £3million worth of new signings. All Black winger Waisake Naholo and Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien are among the recruits, although most will not be available until after the World Cup. Keatley, due to join Italians Treviso next season, would also be a canny recruit if a deal could be arranged. The Exiles are desperate to remain in the top flight of English rugby for the unveiling of their new stadium in Brentford next year. ‘This is like getting to base camp,’ said Kidney. ‘We know we have to go up a percentage in terms of prep and skill. ‘We know the mountain that’s ahead of us and we have to take it stage by stage,’ he added. ‘There’s a fair bit of planning going on and hopefully that will come to fruition,’ add the former Grand Slam-winning Ireland coach, who also won two European Cups during his time with Munster. ‘We want to be in the Premiership when we move to Brentford in 15 months thing so staying in the league is a big thing.’