London Irish 2022-23 season preview

Api Ratuniyarawa made over a century of appearances in six seasons for Northampton Saints before joining London Irish.

London Irish are aiming to make a push for the top four places this season. They have some of the biggest English talents in the country in Henry Arundell, Tom Pearson and Will Joseph.

London Irish finished the last season in eighth place. They qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup and were runners-up in the Premiership Cup. Last season they lost the cup final to Worcester at their home stadium. The Exiles drew five games in 2021-22.

Danilo Fischetti, Luca Morisi, Tom Hitchcock, Josh Basham, So’otala Fa‘aso”o, Isaac Miller, Joe Powell, Piapati Ratuniyarawa, Ed Scragg, Arita Ratuni from Northampton Saints, and So'otal a Fa'asoso'o from Brive are in.

The main strength of this Irish squad is the youth. The backline options are scary in terms of their age and profile. Augustin Creevy, despite being 37, still brings quality and power to the Exiles pack. He racked up 14 tries last time out. He will be under pressure from new signing Isaac Miller and Englishman Matt Cornish.

London Irish have a young and ambitious squad. The club's weakness is the lack of experience.

There are only three players over the age of 30 in London Irish's squad. Paddy Jackson will have the bulk of the leadership this season. Rory Jennings and Jacob Atkins didn't start a single Premiership game last season between them.

London Irish are preparing for the 2022-23 season. They play Worcester Warriors in the opening round. The next round is against Northampton Saints, Bristol Bears, Bath Rugby, and Sale Sharks.

London Irish are on the up but they are not a team to watch this season. They are expected to finish 7th. Since returning to London, they have their identity and team back again. They will play expansive rugby and score an abundance of tries.