A LEAGUE: Cokanasiga returns for Exiles

Joe Cokanasiga returns to London Irish’s starting line-up for tonight’s Premiership Rugby A League trip to Exeter Braves (kick-off 7.30pm).

Cokanasiga, who today pledged his long-term future to Irish by inking a new four-year deal, starts on the wing following an injury layoff.

Fellow Exiles academy graduate Theo Brophy Clews also makes a welcome return to the backline, the goal-kicking specialist getting the nod at fly-half.

Academy manager Patrick O’Grady said: “We’ve made huge improvements game after game and we’re looking forward to taking on a strong Exeter side.

“It’s great to welcome back Joe Cokanasiga and Theo Brophy Clews from lengthy spells on the side line. Additionally, I’m pleased to have Ben Loader back in the fray and they will undoubtedly want to make an impression this evening.”

London Irish: 15 Ben Ransom, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ciaran Hearn, 12 Luke McLean, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Theo Brophy Clews, 9 Rory Brand, 1 Tom Smallbone (c), 2 Tom Woolstencroft, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 4 Will Lloyd, 5 Josh Basham, 6 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 7 Max Northcote-Green, 8 Lasha Lomidze

Replacements: 16 Todd Gleave, 17 Austin Hay, 18 Manasa Saulo, 19 Jack Cooke, 20 Hugo Culverhouse, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Jacob Atkins, 23 Ben Loader