The powerbrokers in the Allied Dunbar Premiership, ie those who control some of the bigger clubs, seem determined to dilute the roots of London Irish RFC even further than those in charge of the Exiles. Having moved from Sunbury to the Stoop, amalgamated - effectively assimilated - with London Scottish and Richmond, the powers that be now want London Irish banished to Cornwall.

This is the latest hair-brained scheme from a collection of gentlemen who have stuttered from one problem to the next. London Irish Chairman Geoff Reed was not amused, dismissing the idea at a meeting of the top clubs in London during the week. A statement from the club asserted: "Under no circumstances would we relocate to Cornwall. While it's a wonderful place for a holiday we will not be moving there."