Declan Kidney’s squad will head to Musgrave Park to finalise preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.

In honour of Jack Wakefield, a London Irish supporter who passed away in 2005, the clubs will contest for the Jack Wakefield Memorial Trophy.

The trophy is awarded to the winners of every one of London Irish’s challenge matches against an Irish province. September’s meeting against the Red Army will be the 10th in 15 seasons.

The last meeting between the two sides was in a pre-season clash in 2019, with Munster Rugby coming out on top on that occasion.

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O’Sullivan made 30 appearances in the blue of Leinster, which included appearances in the Guinness PRO14, the Heineken Champions Cup and the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup.

A two-time Leinster School’s Senior Cup winner with Belvedere College, O’Sullivan progressed through the Leinster Rugby Academy.

O’Sullivan “really excited” about Exiles move

O’Sullivan has expressed his delight at the opportunity to play for The Exiles, stating:

“I am delighted to have signed on with London Irish. I’m really excited to begin working under the likes of Declan Kidney and Les Kiss. I’m looking forward to contributing to the squad effort as best I can. It will be an excellent opportunity to develop my game while playing in the competitive league that is the Premiership.

“I can’t wait to get going in pre-season and to link up with my new teammates. I’m eagerly awaiting what will hopefully be a successful season for the Club.”

Declan Kidney on signing O’Sullivan

Former Ireland Grand Slam-winning coach Declan Kidney, now Director of Rugby at London Irish, said of O’Sullivan’s signing:

“Hugh will add great competition in the scrum-half position and will be joining an already hungry group of players vying for the starting 9 jersey. He has picked up some good experience in Ireland with Leinster, and we look forward to seeing his progress continue with us at London Irish.”

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The Exiles return to action at the Rec against Bath on Saturday next, 15^th August , with a 3pm kick-off.

A first ‘home’ fixture at the Stoop – where the Exiles will play all their remaining home fixtures between now and the end of the current campaign. The following week, on on Saturday 22 August, Irish will play Northampton Saints in a game which will be live on BT Sport at 2pm.

Rounds 14-17 are concluded with an away fixture against Leicester Tigers (Wednesday 26 August, 6pm) and a home clash versus Saracens, which has now been moved back 24 hours, to the Bank Holiday Monday in Britain, on 31 August, at 1pm.

Declan Kidney’s men will start their final five fixtures of the campaign at Gloucester Rugby in another live TV fixture on Saturday 5 September (4.30pm), before Exiles play ‘host’ to their temporary landlords Harlequins at the Stoop in a midweek clash on Wednesday 9 September (6pm).

The following Sunday, 13 September, Worcester Warriors are the visitors to the Stoop, prior to London Irish’s penultimate fixture of the season at current leaders Exeter Chiefs, on a date to be confirmed in due course. The Exiles’ final fixture of a prolonged 2020-21 season sees them host the Bristol Bears on Sunday 4 October – 3pm kick-off.

Every match played behind closed doors in the resumption of the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership will be shown live on BT Sport.

Exiles Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, said:

“Seeing all the remaining fixtures confirmed takes us that bit closer to the return of rugby, which we’re all really excited about. We’re keen to finish the season strongly and regain the momentum which we had had when the league went on hiatus back in March.

“Of course, there’s an element of the unknown with so many fixtures in such a short space of time, but it presents an opportunity for us to use the full squad as well as delving into the Academy.

“We’re disappointed we can’t play in front of our fans, but we know they’ll be with us in spirit – as always, every time we pull on the jersey, we do it for our supporters.”

London Irish Fixtures R14-22:

Saturday 15 August: Bath Rugby v London Irish kick-off 3pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Saturday 22 August: London Irish v Northampton Saints kick-off 2pm – BT Sport 3.

Wednesday 26 August: Leicester Tigers v London Irish kick-off 6pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Monday 31 August: London Irish v Saracens kick-off 1pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Saturday 5 September: Gloucester Rugby v London Irish kick-off 4.30pm – BT Sport 1.

Wednesday 9 September: London Irish v Harlequins kick-off 6pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Sunday 13 September: London Irish v Worcester Warriors kick-off 3pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Sunday 4 October: London Irish v Bristol Bears kick-off 3pm.

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