London Irish are pleased to announce that the Irish Guards will be joining us for our St Patrick’s Day game on Sunday 20th March when we take on Gloucester Rugby (kick-off 3pm).

Regimental Adjutant of the Irish Guards, Colonel TCRB Purdon OBE, is a proud supporter of London Irish and has been for many years, often attending London Irish games with his son James, a former Captain of the Irish Guards who served in Afghanistan.

His family connections to London Irish date back to around 1908-09, when his Great Uncle, Major WC Coates MC played for London Irish. In 1949, Major General WB Purdon OBE DSO MC KHS, grandfather of Col Purdon and former Scrum-half for Ireland took up his post as President of London Irish until he sadly passed away in 1950. Col Purdon stated that in his short time as President, Maj Gen Purdon, “was very proud of the connection and used to watch their matches whenever he could.”

In the 1990’s James Purdon, son of Col Purdon, played rugby for Woodcote House School Rugby Club and was coached by Simon Mason, former London Irish Full Back. James Purdon took part in the London Irish Curtain Raiser and was mentioned in a 1999 London Irish match day programme - “Amongst the players on the field today for Woodcote School, and keeping an historic rugby tradition going is James Purdon, the great-grandson of former Ireland International and London Irish President, Major General Brooke-Purdon, who scored the winning try against England in 1906.”

Col Purdon is a proud supporter of London Irish – “I am a fan because first of all I am Irish, the family connection I have with the Club, and London Irish’s connection with Woodcote House School in the 1990’s when my son was a pupil there.”

London Irish are proud to support the Armed Forces and Emergency Services this St Patrick’s Day game with £18 tickets for serving personnel. We are honoured to be joined by the Irish Guards who will be providing our Guard of Honour for our game against Gloucester Rugby this Sunday and will be present within the Supporter’s Village throughout this fun filled day.

Be sure to get your tickets and take advantage of the array of entertainment on offer including fairground rides, live music and live Aviva Premiership Rugby. FInd out more about the event here and book now by clicking here or call our ticket hotline on 0118 968 1016.

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