3. Winning Major Silverware
Shortly after settling into their new Reading home, the Madejski Stadium saw a new trophy added to the cabinet. London Irish fans consider the 20th of April 2002 to be one of the most successful days in the club’s history, as the Exiles lifted the 2001/02 Powergen Cup.
Historically known as the RFU Knock-Out Cup, or better known by today’s branding as the Premiership Rugby Cup, London Irish secured their triumphant victory in front of 75,000 fans at Twickenham Stadium. This victory came in the form of a 38-7 landslide, as Irish hit top gear against Northampton Saints.
Two tries each from centre Geoff Appleford and Irish winger Justin Bishop, along with an additional score from fullback Michael Horak, built unsurmountable daylight between the Exiles and the Saints. Northampton’s sole response was Ben Cohen’s try and Paul Grayson’s conversion. Irish’s fly half Barry Everitt added a further 13 points from the tee, as his side were resounding winners at ‘HQ’.
This trophy remains to be Irish’s one and only major piece of top-flight silverware, making this day even more poignant for the Exile Nation. Further trophies would come, as Irish yo-yoed between the Premiership and Championship, yet this day marks the sole time the Exiles held a major cup aloft at the pinnacle stage of English rugby.