Hatley, a former prop, is now part of the Exiles' coaching team

London Irish coach Neal Hatley says their first fixtures have provided them with a 'very tough start'.

Irish start at Twickenham against Saracens - a repeat of last year's opening match which they lost 18-14.

They then travel to Bath before hosting Gloucester at the Madejski Stadium.

Hatley told BBC Berkshire: "Saracens did very well last season, Bath caught fire for the last two months, Gloucester showed good signs - but there are no easy games in the league."

Hatley said the run-in in April was just as difficult.

"Looking at the last four: Wasps, Sharks, Saints and Tigers - it's going be tough," he said.

"Hopefully we'll be in a position where we won't be needing a lot of points from that last month, but if we want to be challenging those are the sorts of places we need to go and get results. We're going to have to learn to start beating those sides there."

Hatley, who made over 200 appearances for the Exiles, admits he still looks out for the match against Harlequins first. This year's game, scheduled for Boxing Day, looks certain to be played at Twickenham.

"Every chance you get to play at Twickenham in front of 60,000 people is a fantastic occasion," Hatley said. "We'll be looking forward to that, it's always a big game with those guys."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version