Under-20s joy for JJ

Sportsdesk • Published 12 Jan 2010 16:00 0 Comments

Exiles Extra

FOUR of London Irish's emerging talents - Jamie Gibson, Tom Homer, Jonathan Joseph and Marcus Watson - have been named in the revised England under-20 Elite Player Squad announced by the RFU on Monday.

Talented centre Joseph is one of two new players drafted into the squad for the Six Nations and World Championship campaigns.

Head Coach Mark Mapletoft said: "I'm really pleased for JJ. He's had a run-out for the London Irish first team in the LV= Cup.

"He's solid defensively, makes things happen with ball in hand and he's extremely coachable.

"He's stuck his hand up over the last few months and it's nice to be able to reward that."

NO PLACE FOR KENDO

BRILLIANT London Irish lock Nick Kennedy has once again been overlooked by England team manager Martin Johnson.

The lineout specialist has been in supreme form for the Exiles, but looks set to miss out on this year's Six Nations after failing to make the Elite Squad named yesterday.

Exiles teammate Delon Armitage goes straight back into the squad after his shoulder injury.

His brother Steffon Armitage and Irish scrum half Paul Hodgson have also made the grade, with Kennedy, David Paice and Alex Corbisiero in the Saxons squad.

COACHES TO TWICKERS

IRISH will be arranging a number of coaches for free return transfers for both home and away supporters travelling from Reading to the London Irish vs Leinster Heineken Cup game at Twickenham on Saturday, January 23.

The coaches will leave from Reading Station or the Madejski and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Further information at www.london-irish.com

JAN GIVEN COUNTY ROLE

FORMER London Irish Academy coach Jan Bonney has been named the new backs coach for the England Counties XV.

The 38-year-old former Esher and Middlesex centre, who has represented England at under-19, under-21 and County level, takes over the post from Tom Borthwick.

Bonney, who spent two years at the Exiles Academy, has most recently been manager of the Saracens Academy, where he will continue his work.

He said: "I applied for the job because I wanted to expand my coaching knowledge and it's not every day that you get a chance to coach an international team."

A LEAGUE GAME CANCELLED

LONDON Irish's A League clash against Bath United on Monday fell victim to the weather.

The west country club pulled the plug on the fixture last Friday.

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