LONDON Irish’s return to Premiership Rugby action will start with the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton on Friday, July 28 and the day after.

All 12 Premiership Rugby teams will compete and Exiles, who won the series in 2012 with a 31-28 victory over Gloucester at Bath’s Recreation Ground, will be hoping to make their mark ahead of the Aviva Premiership season.

“We are excited about this new format and having – for the first time ever – all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs together over two days of rugby,” said Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director of Premiership Rugby.

“It is particularly good news for fans who can enjoy a wonderful festival of rugby at a perfect venue that has outstanding facilities for players and spectators alike.

“We are looking forward to welcoming fans from all 12 clubs to the East Midlands.”

Teams will be split into three pools of four and they will play each other on a round-robin basis with the tournament splitting into Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions on the second day.

The draw for the event will be announced on Friday, July 7.

  • LONDON Irish duo Tom Parton and Theo Brophy Clews both started for England Under 20s in their 34-20 World Rugby Championship victory against Wales on Sunday.

Parton also played in England’s opening 74-17 demolition of Samoa last Wednesday.

  • JAMES Baker and Robbie Stapley have been named in The Rugby Paper’s National Two South dream team for the past season.

The Redingensians pair played a vital role in helping the club to an outstanding sixth-place finish.

Baker – who missed the start of the season through injury – was described as the cornerstone of a tenacious and hugely underrated pack, a real handful around the park and a first-rate scrummager.

Meanwhile, Stapley was hailed as the most naturally gifted No 8 in the division.

While he was by no means the biggest, he was outstanding with ball in hand and a real workhorse who continually drove his side forward.