
Nic Rouse made his first appearance of the season last Friday in the European Challenge Cup fixture against Edinburgh after recovering from injury.
The lock forward has been a consistent performer since joining the Club from Nottingham and will look to put his injury woes behind him heading into 2016.
Irish were beaten 18-15 at Murrayfield in match they had opportunities to win. Rouse was delighted to be back out there, but admits there are aspects to improve on going into Boxing Day’s Aviva Premiership fixture against Northampton Saints at Madejski Stadium.
“In terms of my performance, for me, there are a few cobwebs to get rid of. I wasn’t too happy with my own performance, but it was nice to get back out there, it was a good starting point and hopefully I can build from there. I’ll enjoy training this week, work hard and hopefully translate that onto the pitch.”
The Exiles come up against Northampton Saints on Boxing Day, a side they have not beaten since 2012. They come into the game off the back of a 9-9 draw at home against Racing Metro and Rouse knows the challenge his side face this week, and the challenge he faces personally against the likes of Courtney Lawes and Victor Matfield.
“They are great players, they have probably got hundreds of caps between them, but you have got to prepare for a game as you would any other and so, if selected, that is what I will be doing. If we can get our set piece right hopefully we can set a platform and play from there.”
Whilst injured, Nic and wife Sarah welcomed a new addition to the Rouse family, a son, Jimmy, who has already been to numerous London Irish fixtures and will be at the Madejski on Saturday.
“My wife Sarah and Jimmy will both be at the game on Saturday. He has been to a few games already so it is good to get him down. The Club is a really good family club and our families play a huge part in that and, hopefully all of our families will be able to celebrate a good performance on Saturday.”
Tickets for the Boxing Day clash between London Irish and Northampton Saints can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the ticket hotline on 01189 681 016.
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