Irish back in Premier big time
Richmond 7 London Irish 46
LONDON Irish secured promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership after recording a big victory over Richmond yesterday.
The Exiles, who were relegated from English rugby union’s top flight last term, guaranteed an immediate return with a bonus point success.
It was their 19th Championship victory of the season, with the title and promotion being clinched one game inside the distance.
Former Sale flanker TJ Ioane and wing Ben Loader each scored two tries, while there were touchdowns for Albert Tuisue, Bryce Campbell, Josh Mcnally and Alivereti Veitokani.
Irish, whose final league game is against secondplaced Ealing Trailfinders on April 27, look set to replace Newcastle in the Premiership next season.
The Falcons are currently seven points adrift of 11th-placed Worcester, with just three games remaining.
Irish now have the likes of Leinster flanker Sean O’brien coming in next season to bolster the squad and are soon moving to a new ground in Brentford.
Director of rugby Declan Kidney said: “We’ll have to go up a percentage in strength and conditioning, skill level and how we perform the little things that matter in a match.
“We’ll take it stage by stage, this is like getting to base camp. We want to be in the Premiership when we move to Brentford in 15 months.”
Chief executive Brian Facer added: “Returning to the top tier of English rugby was the only objective at the start of the season.”