Date: Fri 07 Sep 2012

London Irish stalwart, Declan Danaher, will start and captain the side in tomorrow afternoon’s Aviva Premiership clash against Gloucester at Madejski Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Danaher replaces Jamie Gibson in the back row and will play alongside Ofisa Treviranus and Jon Fisher.

John Ryan, who is currently on loan from Munster, is a front row replacement and England U20’s star, Anthony Watson, returns from injury to be named as a replacement.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “Gloucester have a strong squad with some great players and a very astute coach in Nigel Davies. Like us they tasted defeat last weekend so they’ll be looking to upset us tomorrow. The players are looking forward to being back at Madejski Stadium and playing in front of the London Irish supporters.”

London Irish team to face Gloucester:

15. Tom Homer; 14. Topsy Ojo*13. Jonathan Joseph*; 12. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 11. Marland Yarde 10. Steve Shingler; 9. Tomás O’Leary*; 1. Max Lahiff; 2. Scott Lawson*; 3. Leo Halavatau; 4. George Skivington; 5. Bryn Evans*; 6. Declan Danaher (Captain); 7. Ofisa Treviranus*; 8. Jon Fisher

Replacements: 16. Brian Blaney; 17. Halani Aulika*; 18. John Ryan; 19. Kieran Low; 20. Alex Gray; 21. Anthony Watson; 22. Shane Geraghty*; 23. Jack Moates

*Denotes Internationals

Gloucester team to face London Irish:

Jonny May; Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder, Billy Twelvetrees, James Simpson-Daniel; Freddie Burns, Dan Robson; Nick Wood, Darren Dawidiuk, Shaun Knight; Will James, Jim Hamilton (capt); Tom Savage, Andy Hazell, Ben Morgan

Replacements:
Huia Edmonds, Dan Murphy, Rupert Harden, Sione Kalamafoni, Akapusi Qera, Dave Lewis, Mike Tindall, Martyn Thomas