Kennedy warns off rival clubs after Lewington quits Irish for Saracens
LONDON Irish rugby director Nick Kennedy insists he did all he could to retain the services of Alex Lewington after the winger opted to join Saracens.
Lewington, below, feels his England ambitions would be better served by moving to the European champions. However, Kennedy told TRP: “We were very disappointed to see him go because he’s a very good player.
“I fought very hard to keep him and we did our best, but ultimately he chose to go and I think that decision was made quite a long time ago.”
Premiership clubs are not allowed to talk to out-ofcontract players before January 1, but Kennedy says he has no issues, adding: “Alex made his own mind up quite a long time ago about where he was going and there are no hard feelings. We’re in the market for a new winger and a few other positions to strengthen us next season.”
Meanwhile, a defiant Kennedy has warned Premiership predators they can expect trouble if they attempt to poach Irish’s fast-rising army of homegrown stars.
Bath are keeping tabs on England wing prospect Joe Cokanasiga, who recently signed a new four-year deal, while highly-rated flyhalf Theo Brophy Clews and centre Johnny Williams would also attract interest in the event of Exiles being relegated.
Kennedy said: “They’d have to break contracts to leave and there’d be a large legal battle if anyone approached them.
“We’re not happy with where we are currently in the league but we’re getting a lot right in terms of our S&C, medical, analysis and training facilities and it’s fantastic to retain top talent like Brophy Clews, Cokanasiga and Williams. “They’ve had opportunities at Irish they might not have had elsewhere and I’m determined that will continue.” Irish’s survival hopes will be boosted with Springbok signings Arno Botha and Piet van Zyl set for Anglo-Welsh duty. Kennedy added: “They’ve settled in well and we’re expecting a big impact.”