Booth is looking forward to facing fellow Saxons coach Steve Bates

London Irish head coach Toby Booth has expressed his surprise about the dropping of Nick Kennedy from the England team to face Australia.

Kennedy made his debut against the Pacific Islanders last weekend, scoring a try in the second half.

Booth told BBC Radio Berkshire: "Nick's taken it on the chin and their loss is our gain for this weekend.

"There are certainties in rugby. One of them is getting dropped and one is getting injured."

Booth added: "I was a bit surprised - I'm sure they have their reasons and we can't control that.

"Nick was obviously disappointed to be left out but he's still part of that squad and will do his utmost to get himself back into the starting line-up or the match-day 22.

We've had five or six boys away with England this week and they're now back. It cuts down your preparation time which is unfortunate. London Irish head coach Toby Booth

Delon Armitage remains a part of the England team after an eye-catching debut and Booth said that was no surprise to him.

"He got an opportunity and grasped it with both hands.

"I know it was a big eye-opener for a lot of people, but it wasn't a fantastic surprise for us because Delon has been playing like that for us for some time."

Irish travel to Newcastle on Sunday for their first Premiership match since 1 October.

Booth is pleased to have the likes of Kennedy, Shane Geraghty, David Paice and Paul Hodgson back from the England squad.

"We've had five or six boys away with England this week and they're now back. It cuts down your preparation time which is unfortunate.

"Newcastle will provide a very stiff challenge and we'll have to be at our best and we want all our resources available to us."

Newcastle Falcons versus London Irish kicks off at 1500 on Sunday 16 November and is live on BBC Berkshire.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version