David Paice on verge of creating history for London Irish
David Paice has been associated with London Irish since 2003
©PA
England international David Paice is all set to break London Irish's record for most appearances for the club on Saturday when he takes the field during the Aviva Premiership clash against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.
It will be the 34-year-old's 283rd appearance for the club and will surpass Topsy Ojo’s tally of 282 outings with the 32-year-old's season cut short by injury. Paice made his professional rugby debut in 2003 and has remained with the club for 14 seasons.
“David’s work rate, effort and commitment has been second to none from the moment he made his debut in 2004,” said Exiles’ director of rugby Nick Kennedy.
“Having played alongside David, I know first-hand what he brings to the table and to reach this milestone is testament to his commitment and professionalism.”
London Irish have made just one change to the starting XV with fly-half Brophy Clews missing out due to injury and Greig Tonks takes his place. The top point scorer for the club Alex Lewington is also closing on another milestone and Saturday's clash will be his 99th appearance for the club.
“We’re expecting a stern test from a very good Northampton side, but we’re looking forward to the game and we’ll be doing everything we can to get the win that we need,” added Kennedy.
“We’ve made one enforced change, with Greig coming back into the mix and I’m looking forward to seeing the combination between him and Piet.”
London Irish are currently languishing at the bottom of the Aviva Premiership table with 13 defeats from 14 games.
London Irish: 15 James Marshall, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Tom Fowlie, 12 Luke McLean, 11 Alex Lewington, 10 Greig Tonks, 9 Piet van Zyl, 1 Ben Franks, 2 David Paice, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Franco van der Merwe (c), 5 Teofilo Paulo, 6 Arno Botha, 7 Max Northcote-Green, 8 Ofisa Treviranus
Replacements: 16 Dave Porecki, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Petrus Du Plessis, 19 Sebastian De Chaves, 20 Conor Gilsenan, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Tommy Bell, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma
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