Kieran Roche is one of the most experienced members of the current London Irish squad having made 175 appearances since joining the club in 2003 from Saracens. Portsmouth-born Roche is a formidable lock forward who, together with Bob Casey and Nick Kennedy, has turned the London Irish lineout into one of the best in the Premiership.

He is also able to hold his own in the back row and it this versatility that has seen Roche make 175 appearances for London Irish.

Roche has represented England at U19, U21, Students, Sevens and Saxons level. He has also played for the Barbarians. He is a graduate of Loughborough University in Sports Science and was London Irish Players' Player of the Season in 2006.

Last season saw Roche make 23 appearances in an Exiles shirt including 16 appearances in the Aviva Premiership.