Exiles head to Siberia
LONDON IRISH are set for a near 9,000 mile mammoth round trip to Russia as part of their return to European competition next season.
The Exiles, who qualify for the European Challenge Cup having sealed promotion back to the Premiership, have been drawn to face debutants Krasny Yar in the pool stage of this season’s competition.
Based in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, the new face on the European circuit are actually closer to China than mainland Europe and represent a huge away day for Nick Kennedy’s charges.
Also in pool 4 are short trips to Stade Francais Paris and Edinburgh, former club of Exiles stars Mike Coman and Greig Tonks, with all three sides also facing Irish at Madejski Stadium.
“It’s an exciting draw for the supporters, players, staff and everyone associated with the club,” said director of rugby Kennedy.
“These are the games that you aspire to play in during your professional career and I’m sure the players are relishing the opportunity of playing in Europe next season.
“We know that it’s going to be extremely tough against three quality teams in our pool and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves on the European stage.”
Exiles duo Theo Brophy Clews and Tom Parton have helped England Under-20s to the World Championship final.
In a thrilling contest with South Africa, England sealed a 24-22 victory in the final few minutes with both Parton and Brophy Clews featuring from the start.
The Red Rose will now face New Zealand on Sunday at 3pm, televised on ITV 4.
New recruit Gordon Reid has also been in international action, coming off the bench to help Scotland to a 34-13 win over Italy.