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London Irish win promotion to the Premiership

Friday 19 April 2019 19:50, UK

Ollie Hoskins (L) Ben Meehan and Ben Loader (R) of London Irish celebrate promotion to the Premiership after their victory during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Richmond and London Irish at the Athletic Ground on April 19, 2019 in Richmond, England.
Image: London Irish players celebrate securing promotion into the Gallagher Premiership

London Irish secured promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership after recording a 46-7 victory over Richmond on Saturday.

The Exiles, who were relegated from English rugby union's top flight last term, guaranteed an immediate return with a bonus-point success. It was their 19th Championship victory of the season, with the title and promotion clinched with a game to spare.

Former Sale flanker TJ Ioane and wing Ben Loader each scored scored two tries, while there were also touchdowns for Albert Tuisue, Bryce Campbell, Josh McNally and Alivereti Veitokani.

Irish, whose final league game is against second-placed Ealing Trailfinders on April 27, look set to replace Newcastle in the Premiership next season. The Falcons are currently seven points adrift of 11th-placed Worcester, with just three games remaining.

Ollie Hoskins, Ben Meehan, Ben Loader and Ian Keatley of London Irish celebrate promotion to the Premiership after their victory during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Richmond and London Irish at the Athletic Ground on April 19, 2019 in Richmond, England
Image: Ollie Hoskins, Ben Meehan, Ben Loader and Ian Keatley of London Irish celebrate after the final whistle

Irish chief executive Brian Facer said: "We have achieved our return to the top tier of English rugby, which was the only objective at the start of the season.

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"I would like to congratulate and thank Declan Kidney (Irish rugby director), his coaching team and the players for working tirelessly over the last year to ensure this was possible."

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