Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012

London Irish stalwart Declan Danaher has been named Club Captain for the 2012/13 Rugby Season.

Declan, who is currently in his thirteenth pre-season, is the Club’s longest serving player having made 242 appearances during his time, scoring 21 tries.

During his 13 years with the Exiles Declan has become a real favourite amongst the London Irish supporters for his great passion and dedication for the only team he has ever played for.

In 2002 Declan was part of the London Irish team that dispatched Northampton Saints in the Powergen Cup Final and it is experiences like this one he wants to share again with the current crop of players.

Declan said: “It is a huge honour for me to be named Club Captain for next season. I am following in the footsteps of Club greats in the likes of Clarke Dermody, Seilala Mapusua, Bob Casey, Mike Catt and Ryan Strudwick who were all exceptional leaders.

“When Brian Smith offered me this opportunity I was delighted to accept. Having worked with Brian I know his drive and the success he is after. A few years ago he managed to get a hell of a squad together which then went on to a Premiership Final so I am well aware of what he is capable of.

“London Irish means the world to me and I will endeavour to make sure that I don’t let the boys or the London Irish family down. We have an exciting new squad; we are training hard and looking forward to facing Saracens in the London Double Header on September 1st at Twickenham.”

Declan will work with a senior leadership group. These leaders are Alex Corbisiero, David Paice, Bryn Evans, Tomás O’Leary, Ian Humphreys and Shane Geraghty. All six players, along with Declan, will take responsibility for their area of the game. Alex and David will run the scrum, Bryn the lineout, Declan and Tomás will organise defence and Ian and Shane will control the attack. One of these leaders will also be the matchday captain.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “I’m delighted that Declan has agreed to be Club Captain. He is a player who has come up through the ranks at London Irish and has been involved in Finals and Cup triumphs. He will bring experience and passion and be a fantastic influence around our squad this season. The leadership group will take responsibility for their specific elements of the game and one will captain the side on a matchday. All seven players are tremendous leaders and will set the standard for the squad this season.”

Declan was jopined by the Exiles Irish contingent and London's representative in the forthcoming Rose of Tralee festival, Nora NíFhlannigain.

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Declan was jopined by the Exiles Irish contingent and London's representative in the forthcoming Rose of Tralee festival, Nora NíFhlannigain.