Mapusua won the Premiership players' player of the season award in 2009

Seilala Mapusua will make his first pre-season start for London Irish against Edinburgh on Friday.

The Samoan is part of a strong side picked by head coach Toby Booth, which includes nine internationals.

George Stowers will wear the number eight shirt whilst academy recruit Marland Yarde comes in for Tom Homer and Mapusua replaces Daniel Bowden.

"It will be a good opportunity to assess where we are as a squad," Booth told the club website.

"We are happy with our pre-season programme so far but there is still work to do before the start of the Premiership season," added Booth, whose side beat Newport Gwent Dragons 33-20 last weekend.

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