INTERVIEW: Treviranus on becoming a London Irish centurion

Ofisa Treviranus has spoken of his ‘immense’ pride at making his 100th appearance for London Irish in Saturday’s 22-5 victory at Doncaster Knights in the Greene King IPA Championship.

The 33-year-old becomes a centurion less than six years after making the switch to Irish, with the Samoan No. 8 now focussed on his side’s quest for promotion back to the Premiership.

“It’s always an honour to pull on the London Irish jersey and to reach such a milestone fills me with immense pride,” said Treviranus.

“The club has given so much to me and my family during my time here. London Irish has been like an extension of my family with everyone making me feel very welcome from the moment I first arrived.

“I’m enjoying my rugby and the boys have been giving 100% in every game that they play, which is pleasing to see.”

Heading into the play-offs on the back of an 82-3 triumph at home to Rotherham Titans and Saturday’s hard-fought win against the Knights, Treviranus believes his side are in good shape.

“I thought we dominated the set-piece and we built the platform for the backs to do what they do best,” said the Pacific Islander.

“It’s important that we carry this momentum into the play-offs and execute our game plan to the best of our ability.”

Last weekend’s results confirmed the make-up of the Play-off Semi-finals, with Irish locking horns with Doncaster for the second time in as many weeks on Sunday 30 April at Castle Park (kick-off 3pm). The second leg is at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 6 May (kick-off 1.15pm).

Crossing the whitewash on three occasions this season, Treviranus is expecting yet another stern test from Clive Griffiths’ Knights side, saying: “It will be tough for us over two legs and we will certainly need to be prepared for the challenge they bring.

“They have the experience of playing in last year’s Play-off Final, which will give them real confidence.”

Be part of the team cheering the players on in the next step back to the Premiership. Tickets for the Play-off Semi-final against Doncaster Knights on Saturday 6 May (kick-off 1.15pm) are on sale from www.lidirect.co.uk or by calling 0118 968 1016 #StrongerTogether.