How London Irish would line-up if they didn't lose their best players

Tuesday, 14 September 2021 at 11:26

byRugby Rucker

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)

HALFBACKS

**9. Nick Phipps (London Irish), 10. Paddy Jackson (London Irish)**

FRONT-ROW

1. Allan Dell (London Irish, 2. Agustin Creevy (London Irish), 3. Sekope Kepu (London irish)

The Exiles have an extremely experienced front-row currently on the books, but would also have Saracens man Tom Woolstencroft available from the bench.

SECOND-ROW

4. Adam Coleman (London Irish), 5. Jamie Gibson (Gloucester)

BACK-ROW

**6. Jack Willis (Wasps), 7. Sean O'Brien (London irish) , 8. Tom Willis (Wasps)**

The Willis brothers began their youth career with London Irish before moving to the Ricoh Arena. These two combining with Ireland and Lions legend Sean O'Brien would make for an incredible trio with Steffon Armitage also available from the bench.