The fifth province?

London Irish welcomes rugby players from all nationalities, but with a recent run of wins and increased confidence in the club, it would also like to attract some of the top professionals coming out of Ireland

Brendan McKibben of London Irish in action against Harlequins last year Picture: Getty

Should the IRFU make London Irish a second home once again? There is certainly an appetite in south-west London for closer ties with Dublin. Originally formed as a sports club for the Irish diaspora in the English capital, London Irish is now a ‘home away from home’ for all exiles living in the area and, as the club enters its 120th year, it says it would like to foster closer links with Ireland ...