DECLAN KIDNEY has confirmed the travelling squad for the trip to Montpellier in Round 4 of the Heineken Champions Cup (1pm kick-off).
Danilo Fischetti, Agustin Creevy and Lovejoy Chawatama combine to form the front row, with Rob Simmons and Adam Coleman in the second row. Simmons captains the side from the four shirt.
Josh Basham, Juan Martin Gonzalez, and Chandler Cunningham-South are named as the back row trio.
Joe Powell and Paddy Jackson are the halfback duo, as Rory Jennings and Luca Morisi link up to form the centre partnership.
Ollie Hassell-Collins is joined by Michael Dykes and Lucio Cinti in the back field to complete the starting XV.
Landmark appearances are within touching distance for Ben Donnell and James Stokes as the duo are both set to make their 50th appearance for London Irish if required from the replacements.
🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
Here's the side to travel to Montpellier on Sunday (1pm kick-off GMT).
🔙 @agustincreevy and @AdamColeman__
5️⃣0️⃣ for @JStokes_ and Ben Donnell if require from the replacements!#MONvLIR pic.twitter.com/hD5cJwcB0r— London Irish (@londonirish) January 20, 2023
“A trip to the Top 14 Champions is an exciting prospect and one that we are looking forward to,” said Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby.
“The opening three matches in the Heineken Champions Cup, although we haven’t picked up the results we wanted, have been a good experience and we will be better for it.
“Our aim is to head to the GGL Stadium and put in a performance that our traveling supporters can be proud of.”
London Irish
Fullback: 15 Lucio Cinti,
Winger: 14 Michael Dykes,
Centres: 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Rory Jennings,
Winger: 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins,
Out half: 10 Paddy Jackson,Scrum Half: 9 Joe Powell,
Front row: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Agustin Creevy, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama,
Second row: 4 Rob Simmons (c), 5 Adam Coleman,
Back Row: 6 Josh Basham, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Chandler Cunningham-South.
Replacements: 16 Mike Willemse, 17 Facundo Gigena, 18 Oliver Hoskins, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Ben Donnell, 21 Caolan Englefield, 22 Eddie Poolman, 23 James Stokes.
