YOUNGSTERS from the London Irish Under-12 Community team have returned victorious from their trip to France.
The Exiles travelled to take part in the Lyon Rugby U12 International Festival and overcame the likes of Monaco, Tunisia and hosts Lyon to become the first overseas side to win the trophy.
Charlie Griffin was awarded the players’ player award for the tournament after scoring a host of tries.
While the festival took centre stage, the trip also provided the opportunity to meet former Exile Delon Armitage and also take in some of the local sights.
“The trip was a great success,” said London Irish head of community Andy Keast.
“Not only the way they played in the festival but because the boys have made friends for life.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the parents of the players who made this trip possible and another big thank you must go to Lyon Rugby Club for their amazing hospitality during our stay.”
Roger Hodson, a parent of one of the young Exiles squad, added: “The London Irish community team have helped to create an unforgettable experience for all the boys, which they’ll all look back on as a real highlight of their early rugby careers.
“They loved every minute of the trip and the community team have my whole-hearted admiration for smiling throughout and creating such an amazing atmosphere for the kids.”
London Irish 2018 Lyon touring squad: Samuel Janaway (Alton RFC), Dominic Cooney (Alton RFC), Sam Williams (Alton RFC), Charlie Evans (Worthing RFC), Owen Medd (Beaconsfield RFC), Charlie Mason (Wallingford RFC), Oliver Kavanagh (Alton RFC), Charles Griffin (Rosslyn Park RFC), Charlie Hodson (High Wycombe RFC), Freddie Cow (High Wycombe RFC), Tobias Ellson (Buckingham RFC), Owen Berwick (Alton RFC), Liam O’Shea (Maidenhead RFC), Johnny Wales (Windsor RFC), Joshua Madden (Windsor RFC), Zack Goforth (Henley RFC), Harry Eckersall (Henley RFC) and Freddie Powell (Newbury RFC).
FIXTURES: Exiles to begin Championship campaign at Ealing
Meanwhile, London Irish have confirmed their senior academy line-up for the 2018/19 season.
A number of those in the young Exiles group made the step up to play for the first team last season and a group of 10 have joined the first team pre-season training group.
They include Tom Parton, Matt Williams, Jacob Atkins, Rory Brand and Ben Loader with the latter breaking into the Premiership XV by the end of the campaign under Declan Kidney.
But there are also a number of new additions with Ben Atkins, Ben Donnell, Caolan Englefield, Reuben Knight, Izaiha Moore-Aiono and Brandon Baker all promoted up to the senior academy set-up.
Five Exiles represented England U20s over the summer and academy boss Patrick O’Grady is pleased with the progress being shown.
“Our intake of players to our senior academy come from across our three regional counties and a variety of pathways including our AASE programme, partner schools and our amateur club,” he said.
“There are players that are really passionate about achieving success in the London Irish first team and we’re looking forward to having them on board.
“We have five players representing England U20s at this year’s World Rugby U20 Championships and I have no doubt that these boys are working just as hard to replicate those achievements.”
2018/19 Senior Academy: Ben Atkins, Jacob Atkins, Brandon Baker, Rory Brand, Sam Collingridge, Jack Cooke, Isaac Curtis-Harris, Ben Donnell, Caolan Englefield, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Austin Hay, Reuben Knight, Ben Loader, Izaiha Moore-Aiono, Tom Parton, Matt Williams
