London Irish announce squad for Bristol pre-season fixture

Halani Aulika will make his long awaited return from an Achilles injury when he takes the field for London Irish tomorrow evening for the historic opening pre-season challenge fixture against Bristol Rugby at Hazelwood (kick-off 7:30 pm).

The Tongan international was forced off in the first half of the Exiles match against Exeter Chiefs in September 2013 and hasn’t featured since. He will line up in the front row alongside Tom Court and David Paice who returns to action following an injury that ended his 2013/14 season early.

George Skivington will captain the side and is joined by Dan Leo in the second row. Blair Cowan, Ofisa Treviranus and Tom Guest make up the back row.

Scott Steele partners Shane Geraghty at half back with Eamonn Sheridan and Fergus Mulchrone in the centre. Club record try scorer, Topsy Ojo is joined by James Short and Tom Homer in the back three.

Squad to face Bristol:

1. Tom Court; 2. David Paice; 3. Halani Aulika; 4. George Skivington ©; 5. Daniel Leo; 6. Blair Cowan; 7. Ofisa Treviranus; 8. Tom Guest; 9. Scott Steele; 10. Shane Geraghty; 11. James Short; 12. Eamonn Sheridan; 13. Fergus Mulchrone; 14. Topsy Ojo; 15. Tom Homer

Replacements: 16. Matt Parr; 17. Gerard Ellis; 18. Geoff Cross; 19. Jebb Sinclair; 20. Nic Rouse; 21. Tomas O’Leary; 22. Myles Dorrian; 23. Andrew Fenby; 24. Luke Narraway; 25. Tom Fowlie

The bar and facilities will be open from 5pm-11pm to serve drinks and refreshments.

Entry for Season Ticket Holders is free, they just need to present their Eventbrite invitation or season ticket card on arrival. Season Ticket Holders will also be able to pick up their Season Ticket Holder brochure on the evening. Those not attending will be able to pick up their brochure at the Saracens fixture on 20th September.

For non-season ticket holder’s entry is £5. Payment will be taken on the evening.

Parking is at £5 for everyone wishing to bring a car to park on the Hazelwood grounds, overflow will be available at The Avenue old training ground and St Paul's School at £5 per car.

Disabled parking is limited, to book please call 01932 750100.