VENTER'S VERDICT: Venter satisfied with start ahead of Welsh showdown

London Irish Technical Director Brendan Venter believes this Saturday’s Greene King IPA showdown with London Welsh at the Madejski Stadium will be the Exiles’ toughest test of the season so far (kick-off 3pm).

The 48-year-old South African was in fine fettle at Hazelwood all of last week in the build-up to Friday’s bonus-point win at Nottingham as Nick Kennedy’s men made it five wins on the bounce.

And Venter, who played a prominent role in laying the foundations for Saracens’ European and domestic success, wants more of the same for the visit of Welsh.

“London Welsh will be a big challenge for us and we said before the season had started that this fixture would be one of the biggest tests of the season,” said Venter.

“They [London Welsh] know what it requires to be successful in the Championship and they have a year more experience of the competition than us. They are a streetwise outfit and will undoubtedly pose us with many questions on the field,” he added.

Reflecting on the season so far in which Irish have won all five games, Venter is pleased with how his side are adapting to the Championship landscape.

He said: “The current feedback on the project is positive and we will get better as the season goes on – we realise that it will be tough but we also believe that we have got what it takes to get back into the Premiership.”

You can read the full interview with Brendan Venter in this Saturday’s issue of the ‘Exile’ priced at £3. The London Irish icon, who made 84 appearances during two spells with the club, talks about the current management team and the club’s rotation policy amongst other things.  

Tickets are available for the London Welsh home game this Saturday 8th October priced at £20 for adults with discounts available for those under 25. Kids go for £3 in the unreserved areas.

Call 0118 968 1016 or click here to buy online.

Hospitality packages are still available for this fixture, starting at just £36 +vat per person. For more information or to buy a package please email [email protected] or call 01932 750 113.

Members are also able to upgrade to Hospitality from as little as £25 +VAT.