TEAM NEWS: London Irish name side for Richmond test

London Irish have named a 29-man squad for their final pre-season clash against Richmond at the Athletic Ground tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

This weekend’s fixture gives Exiles’ director of rugby Nick Kennedy another chance to see his charges in action ahead of the traditional London Double Header at Twickenham on Saturday 2 September.

Kennedy has picked a strong squad, with 13 out of the starting 15 having played key roles during last season’s Championship-winning campaign.

Securing a 29-6 victory over Ealing Trailfinders at Hazelwood last week, Kennedy is looking for his side to continue to improve as they gear-up for the season opener against Harlequins.

“I was pleased with aspects of our game at home to Ealing, but there were other areas which could have been better so we’ve ironed a few things out in training this week,” said Kennedy, 34.

“It’s all about increasing our fitness levels and match sharpness during pre-season and this weekend is another opportunity for us to do just that.

“Richmond are a very good side as we experienced when we played them in the league last year, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

London Irish: 15 Tommy Bell, 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Ciaran Hearn, 12 Fergus Mulchrone, 11 Topsy Ojo, 10 James Marshall, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 1 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, 2 David Paice (c), 3 Petrus Du Plessis, 4 Sebastian De Chaves, 5 Franco van der Merwe (on trial), 6 Mike Coman, 7 Blair Cowan, 8 Ofisa Treviranus

Replacements: 16 Dave Porecki, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Josh McNally, 20 Conor Gilsenan, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Greig Tonks, 23 Will Lloyd, 24 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 25 Senitiki Nayalo, 26 Napolioni Nalaga, 27 Luke McLean, 28 Aseli Tikoirotuma, 29 Ben Ransom

What better way to see in the 2017/18 season than by watching London Irish, Harlequins, Saracens and Northampton Saints battle it out at the home of English rugby?!

Tickets are available from £25 from  www.london-irish.com/LDH  or by calling 0118 968 1016.