The Exiles have celebrated St Patrick’s Day during their closest Aviva Premiership home fixture to March 17 since 2001.

This is the first time that Falcons have competed in the St Patrick’s Day contest and Dean Richards’ men will be hoping to spoil the party, but former Ulster star Court is determined to deliver a home victory for the 20,000-plus fans.

Ex-Ireland international Court said: “The London Irish St Paddy’s game is part of what the club is renowned for and it’s a massive celebration.

“Obviously it’s the highlight of the London Irish season in terms of the pre and post-match celebrations and functions.

“I’m really looking forward to it and it’ll be great to have the family there.

“The Irish connection that has run throughout the club over the years gives us a very proud heritage that the boys want to inject into the game.” And he stressed: “It will be an intimidating atmosphere for Newcastle, I guess that’s part of the plan but we need to make sure that we do not get drawn into the celebrations beforehand.” Exiles have triumphed in four of the last five St Patrick’s Party fixtures and will be keen to secure another victory, with Newcastle only one place behind Irish in the table.

And with Falcons winning plaudits for their attacking style this season, Court believes they will make ideal opponents for a thrilling game in front of a vocal crowd.

“It’s good to be playing Newcastle as they play a really expansive game now and have got some really dangerous backs like Sinoti Sinoti, Alesana Tuilagi and Juan Pablo Socino,” he added.

“They’ve also got a lot of other players coming through and have really built a dominant forward pack.

“They’ve been a bit unlucky at times not to come away with more wins and more points and deserve to be much higher up the table.” The entertainment starts at 11am around the Madejski Stadium before the match kicks off at 3pm.

For tickets call 0118 968 1016 or visitwww.london-irish.com.

London Irish have signed Matt Symons from New Zealand Super League side Waikato Chiefs.

The 25-year-old Symons is an English born lock, who moved to New Zealand in 2012 following a stint in the Saracens youth set up and a period in Great Britain’s Rowing World Class Start programme.

Symons said: “It was a really tough decision to leave one of the best Super Rugby teams in the competition but the opportunities that London Irish offered and the chance to return home were very compelling.

“The new coaching set up at London Irish is exciting.

“I had made my decision before they had established the management team, but having worked with Tom Coventry at the Chiefs I know he will be a massive asset to London Irish.”