NEW London Irish director of rugby Nick Kennedy has hailed Exiles’ fans as the “best in the world” after taking on his new role in the club.

The former second row is relishing the prospect of getting the side back into the Aviva Premiership following their relegation last season, and paid tribute to the club’s supporters.

He said: “The supporters are the best in the world and they create an atmosphere in which the players can thrive in. Going down the coaching team there is also that love for the club so I think that will rub off on the new guys.”

Kennedy is heading up a new-look coaching team along with newly-returned technical director Brendan Venter and coaches Clark Laidlaw, Paul Hodgson, Declan Danaher and George Skivington.

And Kennedy is particularly pleased with the return of South African hero Venter.

He commented: “There is definitely a lot of passion from Brendan at the top – he used to coach me but he also played for London Irish during two stints with the club.

“He turned down other offers to come here and he loves the club.

“There is a lot of excitement around the squad and within the backroom team especially.

“We are trying to bring a culture at the club, but it doesn’t happen overnight and the big aim for us is that the boys enjoy coming in with big smiles on their face.

“Playing professional rugby is a great job to have and we want them to bring an energy to every session.”

Despite losing players including Matt Symons, Sean Maitland and Halani Aulika, Exiles have made a host of signings who Kennedy says are fitting in well.

He revealed: “We are looking to push the intensity of all of our sessions and so far I’ve been really impressed by all of the guys.

“They have settled in really well and when you see them eating together after training, everyone is clearly getting on well. It’s on the pitch where it really matters and the lads are certainly putting 100 per cent into every session and they have been fantastic so far.”

The director of rugby is well aware of the dangers of the Championship, however, and admitted: “It will be a new challenge for us with new matches and an altogether new league. We know how hard it is going to be and we have watched a lot of Championship rugby.

“It is going to be a very tough.”