London Irish lock Casey enjoying life after captaincy

Casey played for Leinster before joining London Irish in 2002

London Irish second row Bob Casey has admitted he has found a "new lease of life" since being replaced as captain of the Premiership side.

Casey, who joined the Exiles in 2002, held the title for three years before the armband was handed to Clarke Dermondy ahead of the new campaign.

He told BBC Radio Berkshire: "I was proud to captain the team but it's a weight off my shoulders.

"I can go out and play my own game now and I've found a new lease of life."

London Irish were defeated 20-13 by title-contenders Bath on Saturday and Casey said that although the result was disappointing he was pleased with the overall team performance.

"If we want to move forward as a team we need to finish games like that.

"We always believe we can win it. It shows the character of this team. We got a try and went into the lead. We kept plugging away but couldn't seal the deal," said the former Leinster man.

The Exiles had to finish the game with 14 men after George Stowers was sent off mid-way through the second half and Casey felt this was a turning point in the game.

"It made life difficult for us. George is not a malicious player and he's been playing excellent for us in the first two games.

"I think the crowd played a lot in the sending off."