There is a real opportunity here for sponsors to build a relationship with a young Academy athlete who may turn out to be the next Declan Danaher or Alex Corbisiero and repay a sponsor's support many times over!

As the Academy Manager, I know how much these young Academy players would appreciate, for example, the opportunity of part-time flexible work to supplement their Academy bursary, or assistance with personal transport, or a grant towards their living expenses.

There are many ways in which young Academy players can be helped but at this stage there is little or no commercial benefit that would accrue to the sponsor other than an acknowledgement in every matchday programme and the satisfaction of playing a part in the development of a player who may well go on to play for London Irish and perhaps play international rugby in the future.

If you feel that you would like to help the Academy in any way, however big or small, please contact Billy Clark either by e-mail or on 01932 750100, to discuss your ideas.

ClubDraw - supporting our Academy

London Irish has joined ClubDraw with a single aim: To raise more funds for our Academy - so we can find and nurture more of the young players we need to secure the future of our club. London Irish ClubDraw means we can do that whilst giving you the fun and excitement of a guaranteed weekly prize draw!

There are a host of weekly prizes: Match six numbers in the ClubDraw lottery and you’ll win £25,000! Five numbers wins £1,000, any four are worth £25 and any three numbers in order wins a fiver! There are great club prizes too - and every penny the club raises goes to the London Irish Academy!

Click here to sign up to ClubDraw and support our academy.