L. Irish Analysis

By Lawrence Aggleton
August 31 2008

Head Coach: Toby Booth

EPS Players: 3 (Shane Geraghty, Peter Richards, Nick Kennedy)

Last Season GP: 7^th

Last Season Europe: HC SF

European Group (ECC): Connacht, Dax, Rovigo

Pre-Season: Vs Nottingham W @ Harlequins L @ Munster

First Four: “Vs” L Wasps @ Tigers Vs Bath @ Quins

Big Outs: Brian Smith (coach to England), Juan Leguizamon (Stade Francais)

Big Ins: Elvis Seveali'i (Sale), James Buckland (Wasps)

Key Man: Shane Geraghty

Hmmmm. It's difficult to know what to expect from Irish. An established team with no risk of relegation, they'll lose three key players to the EPS, they've lost a head coach to England and while they've got the excellent Mike Catt stepping into a key role, you've got to wonder how many games he'll be able to play. No really big name signings and a pretty challenging first four matches and Irish could be in for a difficult season. Europe should provide relief.

Premiership: A good team at home, unlikely to pick up much away. Expect Saracens and Worcester to overtake them. Prediction: 9^th.

Europe: A straightforward group should allow them to guarantee home advantage through to the final. Prediction: ECC Final.