RUCK.co.uk takes a look at what the London Irish XV would have looked like if they hadn’t lost their best players.
The Exiles youth system is a conveyor belt of talent. Rough diamonds are regularly polished beyond recognition but, unfortunately, not all of them go on to shine for the club that discovered or developed them.
‘Boo-hoo, life’s not fair, get over it,’ is what many of you may be thinking. But come on, show a little bit of sympathy.
The talent that has waved goodbye to London Irish is staggering. If big-name players hadn’t left for pastures new and were supplemented with the current squad, the side’s pursuit of Premiership survival or even a top six finish wouldn’t be unthinkable.
This could have been the Exiles starting fifteen…. Player in italics are still with the club.
BACK-THREE
11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), 14. Marland Yarde (Sale Sharks), 15. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
This trio of England internationals would be sensational.
CENTRE
12. James O’Connor (Queensland Reds), 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
