London Irish coach Toby Booth is proud of the exciting style of rugby played by his Exiles, writes Eddie Butler in The Observer.
"Booth never played in the Premiership, alternating instead between back row and hooker for Folkestone and Blackheath in Kent. He then swapped life as an electrician for studying biology at St Mary's College in Twickenham and entered the world of coaching, first with England Students, then the Under-21s, then the London Irish academy.
The role of the academy is seared on his soul. Players such as Steffon and Delon Armitage and Topsy Ojo passed through it. "Fifty per cent of the squad are home‑grown," Booth said. "I've grown them. I'm loyal to all the players, but especially them. They are why we are where we are."
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