Relegation misery for Kidney as Irish drop

LONDON IRISH’S relegation from the Aviva Premiership was confirmed yesterday, despite the Exiles not playing.

Worcester’s four first-half tries against Sixways visitors Harlequins secured the Warriors a bonus point, putting them 10 points clear of Irish and meaning Declan Kidney’s (below) Exiles cannot overtake them.

Teams tied on points are initially separated by number of wins, and Irish have three victories less than Worcester. Irish host Saracens today, then end their campaign at Bath next weekend, but they will now return to the Championship after just one season back in English rugby’s top flight.

Even if they win their remaining two fixtures with bonus points, it would not be enough.

Championship title winners Bristol will replace them in the Premiership next term.

THE Cheetahs booked their place in the Guinness Pro14 knockout stages with a 2920 victory over the Southern Kings at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Tries from Paul Schoeman, Niel Marais and Uzair Cassiem and seven points from the boot of Marais gave the Cheetahs a 22-13 interval lead, Ntabeni Dukisa crossing for the hosts with Masixole Banda kicking a conversion and two penalties. Francois Venter then crossed for the bonus-point try after the break for the Cheetahs and Marais converted to secure their place in the post-season.

Harlon Klaasen added a try for the Southern Kings and Banda took his tally for the afternoon to nine points with the extras. ZEBRE scored a 22-17 win over Benetton but remain bottom of Conference A. Number 8 David Sisi and stand-off Carlo Canna claimed a try apiece while scrumhalf Marcello Violi kicked four penalties. It was their third straight win for the first time in the PRO14.