Irish relish being new kids on the block (From Surrey Comet)

Irish relish being new kids on the block

11:47am Thursday 22nd July 2010 in

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London Irish Amateur are looking forward to life making their London One South bow after being crowned London Two South West champions last season.

The Sunbury club also collected the Surrey Trophy and Surrey Sevens Bowl in their most successful campaign to date.

But director of rugby Chris Magowan insists that will count for little when Thanet Wanderers arrive for the first league game on September 4.

“A step up in terms of physicality, not to mention the approach to training and game play, is required at this level,” he said.

“We will be the new boys and teams will be targeting us so we will come out and try to upset that mindset.

“We are confident that we have the off-field set-up correct. Head coach Jamie Balls remains our driving force with his innovative approach and confidence in his young players’ ability.”

Irish have invested in their youth system, developing the Wolf-hound Academy that, this season, will compete at U19 and U21 level.

Magowan added: “We are proud to be an amateur club and we do not believe that sustainable development can be achieved through paying outside players for short-term gain.”

Pre-season training has begun at The Avenue, Sunbury, on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7pm).

For details call Nick Moore on 07766 024 861.