Exiles United
Winner of the London Irish Players' Player of the Season and PRA Players' Player of the Season awards in 2008-09, Seliaila Mapasua has been at the heart of everything good about London Irish in recent times. This has resulted in the instrumental, hard-hitting Samoan international becoming something of a fans favourite throughout his five year stay at the Madejski Stadium.
A cult hero and inspirational figure, Mapasua has gained renowned recognition as one of the best centres world rugby has to offer. But for all the good times the Pacific Islander has experienced with the Exiles, such as reaching the 2009 Premiership Final, he has seeked pastures new having signed a lucrative financial deal with Japanese outfit Kubota Spears to end his career in Asia. English viewers should be familiar with two of Mapasua's new teammates, Shane Drahm and Toutai Kefu
This has led to Head Coach Toby Booth turning to two current internationals to fill the void left by a player who scored 17 tries in 96 appearances for a club who finished 6th last season. Shontayne Hape and Joe Ansbro, having both burst onto the international scene in recent times with England and Scotland respectfully, are now both pushing to start for their respective countries in the upcoming World Cup. On completion of the eagerly anticipated World Cup competition, the duo are on course to form a new-look centre partnership in the heart of the Exiles' midfield. They should complement each other well in their new Reading surroundings.
New Zealand born Hape, whom he played rugby league internationally for, has signed from Bath Rugby on a three-year deal and is sure to to offer a physical presence in midfield from the inside centre channel. Famed for his exceptional offloading game due to his background in the 13 man code, his strong running lines and tackling ability make him a key cog and invaluable asset for a team noted for playing attacking, entertaining rugby.
However internationally, under-fire Hape needs to raise his standard of performance in order to hold onto his England shirt for the start of England's World Cup campaign. Having come in for strong criticism from some quarters after disappointing recent performances, there has even been doubt in some quarters regarding his place all together in the 30-man squad, Hape will need to prove all his critics wrong at his new club once the New Zealand based tournament reaches its climax.
To capitalise on the frequent holes Hape is sure to make in midfield, Ansbro has moved from Franklins Gardens after struggling to hold down a first-team starting position with Northampton Saints. The 25 year old, the first ever black international to represent Scotland at test level, offers attacking creativity and genuine pace from outside centre. He was one of the stand-out performers in a Scottish jersey in the recent RBS Six Nations Championship.
Ansbro will be hoping that with a run of games under his belt he can prove what a quality player he is. A real threat with ball in hand, his recent Scottish performances have looked energetic, bringing thrust and enthusiasm to a lackluster back-line. Hoping to come into London Irish off the back of a good World Cup campaign, he could prove to be an exciting and elusive runner.
Despite both have points to prove internationally, London Irish supporters should be genuinely excited about their new acquisitions. I am sure that given time, these two can become a real force with their new club. However the next few months pan out internationally, be sure that both Hape and Ansbro will be Exiles United with London Irish come the start of the new domestic season.
