Nick Kennedy

London Irish has named Nick Kennedy as captain of the side to play Newcastle Falcons in Round 15 of the Aviva Premiership this Saturday at Kingston Park, kick-off 3.00pm.

Max Lahiff comes into the starting XV after some impressive performances; David Paice and Faan Rautenbach make up the remainder of the front row. Jonathan Spratt is joined by Jonathan Joseph in a new look centre partnership while Delon Armitage comes it at full back as Tom Homer moves to the wing.

London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: “This is obviously a critical part of the season for everyone and accumulation of points in the Six Nations period is always vital. Newcastle have seen a massive turn in performance and people shouldn’t underestimate them especially at home where they’ve won five out of their last seven game.”

Starting XV:
15. Delon Armitage
14. Tom Homer
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Jonathan Spratt
11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
10. Dan Bowden
9. Darren Allinson
1.Max Lahiff
2. David Paice
3. Faan Rautenbach
4. Nick Kennedy (Captain)
5. Bryn Evans
6. Matt Garvey
7. Kieran Roche
8. Richard Thorpe

Replacements:
16. James Buckland
17. Clarke Dermody
18. Paulica Ion
19. Bob Casey
20. Ed Siggery
21. Marland Yarde
22. Adrian Jarvis
23. Paul Hodgson