Irish name side for Sale Sharks visit

London Irish has named the squad that is set to welcome Sale Sharks to the Brentford Community Stadium for Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday (kick-off 2:30pm).

The Exiles will welcome supporters into their new home - back in town - for the first time, on what promises to be a memorable occasion for everyone connected to the club.

After impressing in last week’s victory over Leicester Tigers, Allan Dell, Agustin Creevy and Sekope Kepu all retain their starting places in the front row.

George Nott and Andrei Mahu continue their partnership in the second row. Jack Cooke starts at blindside flanker and there is a first Premiership start for Izzy Moore-Aiono, who is set to wear the 7 jersey. Matt Rogerson completes the pack from number 8 and captains the side once again.

Australia international Nick Phipps forms the halfback duo with Paddy Jackson.

An unchanged centre combination of Billy Meakes and Curtis Rona forms the midfield. Ben Loader and Ollie Hassell-Collins start on the wings, as Tom Homer is at full-back.

“Sale will be itching to set the record straight after their trip to Newcastle last weekend, so we know that they will be travelling to London fully focused on getting a result” said Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby.

“We enjoyed our first match at our new stadium, but the squad and staff have moved on from that and have prepared well ahead of Sunday’s visit of Sale Sharks.

“It will be brilliant to see some of our supporters back in the stands this weekend. It makes a big difference to hear them cheering the squad on and we can’t wait to welcome them to our new home.”

London Irish:
15 Tom Homer, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Allan Dell, 2 Agustin Creevy, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 George Nott, 5 Andrei Mahu, 6 Jack Cooke, 7 Izzy Moore-Aiono, 8 Matt Rogerson (c)

Replacements:
16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 20 Steve Mafi, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Theo Brophy Clews, 23 Tom Parton.

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