Reading-born London Irish stars lined up for England debuts

Ollie Hassell-Collins, formerly of local club Newbury until age 16, and Will Joseph are both talents raised in the London Irish Academy in the English Premiership.

For more than 20 years the Exiles played their matches in Reading at the then-Madejski Stadium, enjoying a golden period of success in the mid-2000s.

They moved to the new Brentford Community Stadium last season but there are still Berkshire-links throughout.

🌹 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 🌹

Henry Arundell, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Will Joseph have all been named in Eddie Jones’ England squad to face the Barbarians.

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— London Irish (@londonirish) June 12, 2022

Starlets Hassell-Collins and Joseph, younger brother of former London Irish and current Bath star Jonathan, have both impressed in West London as the Irish qualified for the European Champions Cup for the first time in a decade.

A prestigious Academy, former internationals Topsy Ojo, Anthony Watson and Delon Armitage have all learned their trade at Hazelwood.

England coach Eddie Jones has called up four London Irish stars in total, with Henry Arundell and Will Goodrick-Clarke joining Hassell-Collins and Joseph for the summer international against the Barbarians.

Speaking on his decision, Jones said: “Upon release of the squad, England Head Coach Eddie Jones said: “This is a strong, diverse squad. There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine.

“Everyone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.”