London Irish have announced their team for Saturday's (4th September) Zurich Premiership opener against us in the London Double Header at Twickenham, kick-off 2.00pm.
Summer signings Mike Catt and Scott Staniforth will make their Zurich Premiership debuts for the Exiles this weekend, while Scottish international hooker Robbie Russell is named among the replacements. Delon Armitage, a member of the club's Academy squad and who played for England in the IRB Under 21 Championships in June, starts at full back.
A mini-injury crisis has already restricted selection options with six senior players ruled out of action. Unavailable for selection due to injury are Justin Bishop (hamstring), Declan Danaher (hamstring), Adam Halsey (foot), Rodd Penney (hamstring), Peter Poulos (shoulder) and Doug Wheatley (hand).
Their full team is as follows:
15. Delon Armitage
14. Paul Sackey
13. Geoff Appleford
12. Mike Catt
11. Scott Staniforth
10. Barry Everitt
9. Darren Edwards
1. Neal Hatley
2. Adrian Flavin
3. Rob Hardwick
4. Ryan Strudwick (Capt.)
5. Bob Casey
6. Paul Gustard
7. Kieron Dawson
8. Kieran Roche
Replacements:
16. Pierre Durant
17. Robbie Russell
18. Nick Kennedy
19. Phil Murphy
20. Nils Mordt
21. Paul Hodgson
22. Mike Horak or Mark Mapletoft